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U.S. President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as he boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on October 12 before departing for Israel. / Source: Reuters-Yonhap News

U.S. President Donald Trump will hold a bilateral summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during the week of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Seoul’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.

Trump is expected to attend APEC events from October 27 to November 1 and engage in “significant diplomatic engagements” with other attending leaders, according to the ministry.

The ministry noted that the upcoming meeting between Trump and Lee will build upon the trust and personal rapport established during President Lee’s visit to Washington in August.

“This visit completes the mutual exchanges of the two leaders within five months of our government’s inauguration,” the ministry said, adding that Seoul is preparing “appropriate protocol and a full schedule befitting the occasion.”

As the APEC host country this year, South Korea said it plans to use the summit to “deliver a message of cooperation and communication for the region’s shared prosperity” while pursuing “practical, national interest–oriented diplomacy” through bilateral talks with visiting leaders.

Trump is reportedly arranging a two-day visit to South Korea starting October 29. However, sources said he is unlikely to attend the APEC leaders’ plenary sessions scheduled for October 31 and November 1.