President Lee to Present Blueprint for "Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula" at UN... First State Visit to Mexico in 16 Years

Departs for New York Today... Keynote Address at UN General Assembly on the 22nd
Proposing UN Reform and Korea’s Contribution
Separate Meetings with Leaders from the U.S., Australia, and Other Major Nations
Explaining Economic Policies Dire

President Lee Jae-myung will visit New York, United States, from September 21 to September 27, 2026, to attend the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. During the session, he will set out UN reform proposals and Korea’s role, while also sharing his vision for ‘Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula’ with the international community. On the sidelines of the General Assembly, he plans to meet separately with leaders from key nations, including U.S. President Donald Trump. He will then embark on the first state visit to Mexico in 16 years, aiming to broaden the horizon of bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, energy, mineral supply chains, as well as in artificial intelligence (AI), aerospace, defense industry, and K-Content.

Seongrak Wi, National Security Office Chief, is briefing at the Blue House press center on September 21 regarding President Lee Jae-myung's attendance at the United Nations General Assembly and state visit to Mexico. 2026.9.21 Yonhap News Agency

Seongrak Wi, Chief of the National Security Office, announced during a pre-departure briefing on September 21 that President Lee would depart on this day, participate in the 81st UN General Assembly High-Level Session in New York, and then pay a state visit to Mexico.

On September 22 (local time), President Lee will deliver the keynote address at the UN General Assembly. In his speech, he is expected to outline the direction for UN reform to resolve global issues, propose how the Republic of Korea could contribute, and present the government’s vision for establishing peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. Wi stated, “President Lee will outline the direction for UN reform to resolve global issues and propose Korea’s contribution, while also presenting a blueprint for peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.”

President Lee will also meet with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to request ongoing attention and cooperation at the UN level for peace on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, he will hold separate talks—including bilateral meetings—with leaders of key countries such as the United States and Australia, unconstrained by formalities. He plans to expand points of contact with each nation, focusing on energy, semiconductors, science, and technology as substantive cooperation agendas.

A series of economic diplomacy events is also planned. President Lee will take part in the ‘Korea Investment Summit 2026’ to directly brief global investors on Wall Street about the country’s economic achievements over the past year and the key economic policies the government intends to promote. Wi said, “Through practical, national-interest-driven diplomacy in New York, we aim to invigorate our livelihoods and economy.”

Upon concluding his New York schedule, President Lee will travel to Mexico at the invitation of President Claudia Sheinbaum for a state visit. The last state visit to Mexico by a South Korean president was by Lee Myung-bak in 2010, marking a 16-year gap. President Lee’s itinerary will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at Chapultepec Park on September 24, followed by an official welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, one-on-one and expanded summits with President Sheinbaum, an MOU exchange, an official luncheon, and a joint press announcement. In the evening, he will attend a dinner roundtable with the Korean community in Mexico. On September 25, he will join the Business Forum at the Mexico City World Trade Center and visit the K-Expo event. On the morning of September 26, he will depart Mexico City for his return to Korea.

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a commemorative speech at the Youth Day ceremony held at the Blue House on the 19th. September 19, 2026 Yonhap News Agency

At the upcoming summit, institutional support measures for South Korean enterprises’ entry and local activities in Mexico will be a central topic. The leaders will also discuss enhancing cooperation on energy and key mineral supply chains, given Mexico’s abundant oil and natural resources. Additional discussions will cover partnership opportunities in AI and the digital transition, the aerospace industry, and defense. Wi explained, “The Mexican government has recently identified AI, digital governance, aerospace, and defense/security as priority future areas for cooperation with Korea,” and added, “With Mexico pursuing military modernization, the South Korean government will also explore opportunities for competitive South Korean defense companies to enter the Mexican market.”

Strategies to leverage K-Content as a springboard for expanding into the Latin American market are also a main agenda item. The Korean government views Mexico as a core K-pop consumption market in Latin America and plans to expand the foundation for K-food, K-beauty, and overall cultural content in the region. Both countries will also consult over joint content production, training of talent, and building cultural infrastructure. The Mexican Foreign Ministry previously disclosed that the Korean government has expressed intent to promote the establishment of a Korean Cultural Center locally.

Wi stated, “This state visit will be meticulously prepared to open a new chapter in the strategic partnership established between the two countries in 2005 and to serve as a solid milestone toward shared prosperity.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.