President Meets Outgoing Prime Minister for Weekly Lunch Discussion

The president met with the outgoing prime minister over lunch Monday in what could be their final weekly discussion before the prime minister steps down. The two reviewed the prime minister's recent trip to China, which included talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and attendance at a World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian, the prime minister's office said in a release.

The release also summarized 23 weekly meetings held so far between the two officials to address pending issues, including the hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum and the economic effects of the Middle East conflict.

"The government will actively take advantage of the state affairs consultation channel of weekly meetings to swiftly discuss outstanding issues and determine the direction of response for the presidential office and the Cabinet to run state affairs as one team unwaveringly," the office said.

The prime minister offered to step down about a year after taking office. The president has nominated the minister for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups to succeed the prime minister, and the National Assembly held a two-day confirmation hearing on the nomination last week.

The nomination is expected to be approved by the Assembly, as the ruling party holds a majority.