The Presidential Office said on the 23rd that U.S. President Donald Trump is coordinating a special meeting with leaders of four Indo-Pacific countries (IP4), including Korea, on the occasion of the NATO summit, in response to reports from foreign media, noting it is "something that needs to be confirmed." It also stated that no decision has yet been made regarding whether a government official will attend the NATO summit in place of President Lee Jae-myung.
A source from the Presidential Office noted regarding a related report from Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) that "it is difficult to provide a response due to diplomatic and security practices," while also stating, "I suspect there is inaccurate information in the Nikkei article. Confirmation will be difficult." They added that regarding Trump's request for a meeting and its timing, "we are confirming, and it is not a situation in which we can clarify a position."
Nikkei reported that the U.S. government is coordinating a schedule for a special meeting inviting leaders from Japan, Korea, Australia, and New Zealand in conjunction with the NATO summit, which will be held in the Netherlands on the 24th and 25th, citing NATO sources. It stated, "This NATO summit will provide an opportunity to confirm the expansion of security cooperation between the U.S.-Europe and the Indo-Pacific region amid increasing threats from China and Russia."
A source from the Presidential Office also commented on whether there would be attendees, saying, "It is still difficult to discuss that issue, and if a decision is made, I will let you know." The Nikkei report came after the Presidential Office indicated the day before that President Lee had expressed his intent not to attend the NATO summit. This matter could draw significantly different evaluations depending on the timing of Trump's request for a special meeting and when President Lee notified his absence from the NATO summit.
Earlier, the Presidential Office explained in a written briefing that "despite the numerous national issues accumulated since taking office, the president has been actively reviewing attendance at this NATO summit." However, it concluded that it was impossible to attend in person after comprehensively considering the uncertainties arising from various domestic issues and the Middle Eastern situation.
Meanwhile, President Lee had his first telephone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at 10:20 a.m. that day. According to Spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung, President Lee expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Anwar's congratulations on his inauguration and said, "I look forward to closely cooperating to develop the strategic partnership between our countries."
President Lee noted that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and he decided to work with Prime Minister Anwar to further develop the friendly and cooperative relationship based on the trust and friendship built over more than half a century, Spokesperson Kang reported.