South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Leaves for NATO Summit in Turkey

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung departed Seoul on Tuesday for Ankara to attend the NATO summit. The two-day gathering brings together leaders of the alliance's 32 member countries, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Lee received an invitation from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and plans to meet him shortly after arrival. He is also scheduled to meet representatives of Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Lee will deliver a keynote speech at a defense industry forum titled "Shared Values, Stronger Industrial Base" on Tuesday.

He is expected to hold bilateral meetings with participating leaders on Wednesday. The summit occurs as member nations move to increase defense spending amid the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East conflict. From Thursday to Saturday, Lee will pay a state visit to Mongolia at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh.

The two leaders are expected to declare a "golden era" of South Korea-Mongolia relations. Lee's visit marks the first by a South Korean president to the country in 15 years. On Thursday, Lee will attend a bilateral business forum in Mongolia.

On Saturday, he is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival as a special guest.