President Lee to visit four African and Middle Eastern nations, attend G20 Summit in South Africa

President Lee Jae-myung will embark on a 10-day tour of four African and Middle Eastern countries from November 17 to 26, anchored by his attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa. National Security Office Director Wi Sung-rak briefed reporters on the schedule and significance of the trip on the 14th, describing it as “the finale of this year’s multilateral diplomacy.”

The president’s itinerary begins with a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 17 to 19, followed by an official visit to Egypt from November 19 to 21, participation in the G20 Summit in South Africa from November 21 to 23, and a state visit to Türkiye from November 24 to 25—marking a tightly packed seven-night, 10-day diplomatic mission.

During the UAE visit, President Lee will hold a summit meeting and witness the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at expanding cooperation in advanced sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and defense industry collaboration. A business roundtable with key entrepreneurs from both countries is also planned. Director Wi noted that this will be the president’s first visit to the Middle East since taking office, adding that Korea aims to broaden cooperation “from defense, nuclear energy, and energy sectors to advanced technology, healthcare, and culture and the arts.”

In Egypt, the president will hold a summit meeting and deliver a policy speech at Cairo University, where he is expected to outline the Korean government’s new Middle East strategy.

At the G20 Summit in South Africa, global leaders will discuss major international issues including inclusive and sustainable growth, development cooperation, disaster-risk reduction, climate response, innovation, and job creation. This summit follows Korea’s participation in this year’s G7, UN General Assembly, ASEAN Summit, and the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, marking the final major multilateral engagement of 2025.

Director Wi stressed that Korea intends to “advance discussions on the ‘Global AI Fundamental Society’ initiative proposed at the Gyeongju APEC Summit and lead international policy dialogue on recovery and growth.” He also highlighted that Korea is set to assume the G20 presidency in 2028, adding, “Following the successful hosting of APEC, Korea will continue to demonstrate its elevated global standing through G20 leadership.”

The president’s trip will conclude with a state visit to Türkiye, where he will explore avenues to deepen bilateral ties through summit meetings and related events. Director Wi emphasized that “the UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye are core nations in the Middle East,” adding that the tour is expected to yield concrete outcomes in defense and defense-industry exports, cultural exchanges, and cooperation for peace in the region.