Overview

• The leaders reaffirmed the goal of complete denuclearization and tighter trilateral coordination with the United States, issuing the first Seoul–Tokyo summit statement in 17 years.
• They agreed to form a joint consultative body, deepen cooperation in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and hydrogen, and address North Korea’s cyber operations and its expanding ties with Russia.
• Lee’s decision to visit Tokyo before Washington underscores a push to consolidate Korea–Japan positions, while Foreign Minister Cho Hyun conducts pre-summit coordination in the United States.
• Lee’s White House agenda focuses on “alliance modernization” to reinforce the combined defense posture and on implementing the recent 15% reciprocal-tariff deal linked to major Korean investment pledges.
• Following the Washington talks, Lee is scheduled to visit Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia with senior U.S. officials and to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery.