Korean President Lee to attend NATO summit, visit Mongolia

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Turkey and Mongolia next week on a trip focused on expanding defense industry cooperation and securing critical mineral supplies. The five-day visit, announced by the presidential office, begins with Lee's attendance at the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8, followed by a state visit to Mongolia from July 9 to 11.

President Lee will participate in the NATO leaders' meeting at the invitation of Secretary General Mark Rutte, marking his first such attendance since taking office in June 2025. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac stated the summit provides an opportunity to promote South Korea's defense products within the world's largest military alliance market. Lee is scheduled to hold talks with Rutte, join a small-group meeting with leaders from NATO's other Indo-Pacific partners-Japan, Australia, and New Zealand-and deliver a keynote address at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum.

Officials said a primary goal is to establish a foundation for South Korean defense companies to enter NATO markets and integrate into more resilient international supply chains. As a non-member, South Korea must ensure its weapons systems...