After Finishing Condolence Diplomacy, Yoon Arrives in New York... Conveys Solidarity and Economic Security Message

UN Secretary-General to Discuss Current Issues, Hold Meeting with Korean Community... Multilateral Diplomacy Including Korea-US and Korea-Japan Expected

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, USA, on the 19th (local time) and are disembarking from Air Force One. /

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] President Yoon Seok-yeol arrived in New York, USA, on the morning of the 19th (local time). After completing the funeral schedule of the late Queen Elizabeth II in London, UK, over the past one night and two days, he will deliver a keynote speech at the United Nations General Assembly on the afternoon of the 20th. As the highlight of this trip, President Yoon is expected to deliver a message centered on the keywords of freedom alliance, economic security, and contribution diplomacy.

President Yoon will be the 10th among the heads of member states to take the podium. In his speech, he plans to emphasize cooperation and solidarity among democratic countries and stress the importance of economic security, including the establishment of global supply chains. He will also mention South Korea’s contributions to the international community as a 'global leader nation' in spreading freedom, a topic he has emphasized in his inaugural address and Liberation Day speeches, as well as future contributions.

He is also expected to refer to the 'Bold Initiative,' proposed as a new solution to the North Korean nuclear issue, but it is highly likely that no specific details will be included. A presidential office official explained, "No new proposals regarding the denuclearization of North Korea or the Bold Initiative will be additionally mentioned."

Currently, a meeting with UN Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres is planned for the afternoon to discuss strengthening cooperation with the UN and close coordination on international issues. In the evening, there may also be a gathering with compatriots.

The multilateral diplomacy during the three-day, two-night schedule in New York is also a key point to watch. On the 21st, President Yoon is scheduled to hold consecutive bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and attend a reception hosted by President Biden and the First Lady. This will be the second Korea-US summit following the one held in South Korea last May. The focus is expected to be on follow-up measures regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The Korea-Japan summit is still reportedly under partial coordination. Regarding Japanese media reports that the Korea-Japan summit is uncertain, the presidential office is taking a cautious stance, stating, "We do not intend to make any special comments." A senior presidential office official also said locally, "We have heard many inquiries about whether the Korea-Japan summit will take place, but we can only say no comment," adding, "Please understand that there is not much we can disclose."

However, the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan met in advance. Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi held a 50-minute meeting on the 19th (local time) at a hotel in Manhattan, New York. This was a preparatory meeting ahead of the anticipated Korea-Japan summit between President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida. After the meeting, Minister Park told reporters, "We had many good discussions."

In addition, economic events aimed at attracting investment and supporting the entry of Korean companies into the US market are planned. These include the Korea-US Startup Summit, targeting the expansion of Korean startups into the US and attracting US investment into Korea, as well as the K-Brand Expo to expand sales channels for Korean small and medium-sized enterprises. Through these, President Yoon plans to engage in sales diplomacy in New York, with meetings also arranged with scholars and scientists.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.