President Lee Jae-myung on the 29th hosted a special dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Gyeongju, inviting U.S. President Donald Trump, who is in Korea on a state visit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), as well as the leaders of Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Thailand, and Singapore.
According to the presidential office, the "special leaders' dinner" hosted by Lee lasted for nearly two hours. At the event, the leaders exchanged views on domestic and international issues, including major global affairs such as the North Korea issue and transnational crimes like online scams and drug smuggling.
At the dinner, Lee offered a toast, saying, "In a situation where crises are becoming more complex around the world, solidarity and cooperation among friendly nations are important."
The leaders also strengthened their camaraderie by talking about topics beyond domestic and international issues, including sports they each enjoy. Near the end of the dinner, President Trump reportedly expressed gratitude to Lee for arranging an opportunity for major-country leaders to communicate comfortably with one another.