South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Brussels on June 10, 2026 [1], to begin a 10-day diplomatic tour of Europe [2].
This mission represents a strategic effort to strengthen ties with European partners and coordinate positions ahead of the G7 summit in France. The visit is particularly significant as South Korea and Belgium mark the 125th anniversary of their diplomatic relations [3].
President Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung were received by Belgian government officials upon their arrival at Melsburg Air Base [4]. The president is scheduled to meet with Belgian and European Union leaders to discuss practical measures to deepen cooperation between South Korea and Belgium [5].
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said this is the first meeting between the current administration and Belgian leadership. He said the discussions will focus on ways to raise the bilateral friendly cooperation relationship to a new level [6].
Following the meetings in Brussels, the diplomatic itinerary includes a state visit to Italy starting June 11 [7]. The president will also visit the Vatican to meet with the pope [8]. The tour will conclude with the president's participation in the G7 summit in France [9].
Throughout the 10-day trip [2], the South Korean delegation intends to utilize the G7 framework to address global challenges and enhance the country's diplomatic presence within the European bloc [9].
“The visit is particularly significant as South Korea and Belgium mark the 125th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.”
President Lee's tour signals a pivot toward diversifying South Korea's strategic alliances beyond its immediate regional neighbors and traditional security partners. By linking bilateral visits in Belgium and Italy with the multilateral G7 summit, Seoul is attempting to integrate itself more deeply into the European economic and political architecture, leveraging historical diplomatic milestones to secure new cooperation agreements.
