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President Lee Jae-myung (left) holds a Korea-Australia summit with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a hotel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on June 16, during the G7 Summit. / Yonhap News

On June 16 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung held back-to-back bilateral summits with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Calgary, Alberta. Just 12 days into his presidency, Lee’s attendance at a major international gathering signaled the restoration of summit diplomacy following the nationwide emergency decree issued on December 3.

In his meeting with Albanese, President Lee emphasized the two countries’ longstanding alliance, referencing Australia’s role as a “blood ally” in the Korean War. He sought to expand cooperation across political and economic fields. Albanese responded, “Australian forces fought alongside South Korea during the Korean War. Our economic ties are strong, and we continue to work together in defense and areas that benefit our citizens. Australia is also a reliable partner for South Korea’s energy and resource needs.”

President Lee noted, “Australia dispatched a significant number of troops during the Korean War, and it is thanks to that sacrifice that the Republic of Korea exists today. Economically, our two countries are already close partners, and I see many more opportunities for collaboration—particularly in the energy and resource sectors, where Korea relies heavily on Australia.”

The two leaders also looked ahead to further exchanges this year. Albanese expressed his intent to attend the upcoming APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, and said he hoped to welcome Lee to Australia in the near future. President Lee replied, “I will do my best to visit as soon as possible.”

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President Lee Jae-myung (right) shakes hands with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a Korea-South Africa summit at a hotel in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on June 16. / Yonhap News

In his summit with President Ramaphosa, Lee emphasized practical cooperation between Korea and South Africa in trade, investment, and energy. “South Africa is the largest economy in Africa and serves as Korea’s gateway to the continent,” Lee said. “We hope your government will continue to support Korean companies operating in energy, manufacturing, and other sectors within South Africa.”

President Ramaphosa responded by highlighting interest in cooperation in education and technical training. “Korean companies with advanced technology have greatly contributed to job creation and industrial growth in South Africa. We hope their investment and presence will continue to expand.”

According to the presidential office, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional security in the Korean Peninsula and Africa, and agreed to work together to promote global peace.