President Lee Jae-myung arrived at the Group of 20 (G20) summit venue in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the morning of the 22nd local time.
Lee arrived at about 10:03 a.m. wearing a gray suit and a striped tie with intersecting red, navy, and white, and met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Lee shook hands with Ramaphosa and said, "Nice to meet you," and Ramaphosa replied, "Nice to see you again." The two leaders held a bilateral meeting during the Group of Seven (G7) summit in June.
Lee then posed for a commemorative photo with Ramaphosa and, smiling, offered praise, saying, "So beautiful city," and Ramaphosa expressed thanks, saying, "Thank you very much." Lee then moved into Nasrec Hall, where the opening ceremony was being held.
Lee is scheduled to speak at the official G20 sessions "Inclusive and sustainable economic growth that leaves no one behind" and "A resilient world" being held that day.
Each session will discuss ways to enhance international cooperation on international development assistance and global economic growth, as well as climate change and disaster risk reduction.
In addition, Lee is expected to attend most of the official G20 Leaders Summit on Finanical Markets and the World Economy events, including the opening ceremony, leaders' dinner, and commemorative photo.
Earlier, Office of National Security Director Wi Sung-lac, speaking about the itinerary, said, "We will present Korea's fiscal and climate change policies to lead related policies in the international community," and noted, "We will express our commitment to solidarity, cooperation, and contributing to development for Africa."
Beyond the official schedule, multilateral and bilateral diplomacy will continue. A meeting of MIKTA, a consultative body of five middle-power countries led by Korea (Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Türkiye, Australia), and separate bilateral talks with France and Germany are also planned during the G20 Leaders Summit on Finanical Markets and the World Economy.
After the G20 Leaders Summit on Finanical Markets and the World Economy ends, Lee will wrap up his three-day, two-night schedule in South Africa with a meeting with the Korean community. He will then travel to Türkiye, the final stop of this Middle East and Africa trip to four countries.