WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has arrived in Washington for his first-ever meeting Monday with President Donald Trump, a high-stakes event that could help set the tone for the allies' economic and security partnership during Trump's second term.
"There is a great sense of responsibility for the national interests of the Republic of Korea, which is thoroughly self-centered in international diplomacy," Lee said at a press conference in Washington.
"The Korea-U.S. alliance is the basis of diplomacy, but it cannot be insulated from China."
Lee arrived in the U.S. capital after he met with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo and said he learned more about negotiations between the United States and Japan, as well as receiving advice on negotiation style.
"This summit is an opportunity for Lee Jae Myung to establish a personal rapport with Donald Trump to build a positive, collaborative relationship so that the allies are capable of resolving differences and working collaboratively on issues of mutual interest," Thomas Byrne, president of The Korea Society, said a few days before the meeting.
