Lee Jae Myung seeks "a mutually beneficial and balanced outcome" in trade talks

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is visiting Brazil, Chile, and Argentina to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, particularly with the Global South, amidst a changing global landscape. In Brazil, Lee inspected a South Korean Air Force transport aircraft, signaling a new defense cooperation initiative, and discussed resuming stalled trade agreement negotiations with the Mercosur bloc, which includes Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay. Lee emphasized the importance of achieving a favorable and equitable outcome in these trade talks, viewing them as crucial for defending an open international trading system. The tour aims to diversify South Korea's partnerships, secure vital resources like critical minerals and energy, and expand market access for South Korean businesses in the region.