Lee Jae Myung Mexico summit advances denuclearization North

President Lee Jae Myung concluded his state visit to Mexico on Thursday, September 26, 2026, with a joint action plan to deepen economic cooperation and expand collaboration in artificial intelligence and defense. The summit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the first South Korean presidential state visit to Mexico in 16 years, also produced 17 memorandums of understanding spanning multiple sectors.

Lee emphasized the need for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. Cheong Wa Dae clarified that the CEPA will be studied jointly for its economic effects. The 17 agreements cover a broad range of bilateral cooperation.

The tour concluded at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City. Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung boarded Air Force One and were seen off by Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister María Teresa Mercado and other officials.

UNGA address and Trump summit frame North Korea diplomacy

Lee’s diplomatic push began earlier in the week at the 81st U.N. General Assembly in New York. He addressed the assembly on Tuesday, September 24, reaffirming his envisioned role as a 'pacemaker' to help the U.S. Resume dialogue with North Korea. He presented a phased approach to denuclearization, beginning with a halt and reduction of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

On the same day, Lee held a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. South Korean officials said Trump reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with North Korea.

Cultural engagement shows broader bilateral ties

Beyond formal agreements, the state visit included cultural outreach. Lee and Kim met with Mexican youths. They held lightsticks with attendees and Mexico’s Minister of Culture and watched a performance by K-pop group Stray Kids. Lee remarked that culture truly seems to not only connect people to people, but also nations to nations.

Lee faces domestic challenges upon return to South Korea

President Lee headed home on Saturday, September 27, wrapping up a five-night, seven-day tour of the United States and Mexico. He is scheduled to return to South Korea via Anchorage, Alaska on Sunday, September 27.

Upon arrival, he will immediately confront a series of pending domestic issues. These include a conflict with Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de over Supreme Court appointments, a suspected land-mine explosion in the DMZ, the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, and communication problems with hardliners in the ruling bloc over prosecution reform.