President Yoon Suk Yeol visited South American nations Peru and Brazil from Nov. 14 to 21 to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Group of 20 (G20) Summits.

On Nov. 15, President Yoon attended the APEC Summit, held under the theme of ¡°Advancing Inclusion, Sustainability and Growth.¡± During the first session, he outlined Korea¡¯s plans to promote inclusive growth as well as to support vulnerable populations. He also announced Korea¡¯s commitment, as the host nation of next year¡¯s APEC Summit, to fostering free and stable trade and investment. In the second session, a closed-door retreat, President Yoon shared Korea¡¯s contributions to accelerating the energy transition amid the global climate crisis and emphasized strengthening regional cooperation to ensure food security.

President Yoon participated in a trilateral summit with the leaders of the United States and Japan during the APEC Summit. This was the first meeting among the three leaders since the Camp David Summit in August 2023. The three nations agreed to promote the establishment of a trilateral cooperation secretariat to build an institutional framework for Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, ensuring that their collaboration continues in the future. Additionally, President Yoon held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Japan, China, Brunei, Canada and Vietnam, where they reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation and partnership.

During a meeting with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, the two leaders signed MOUs to enhance collaboration in defense, infrastructure, economy, technology, and human exchange. Korea pledged to bolster defense technology cooperation, while Peru committed to closer collaboration in mineral resources. They also signed MOUs on digital transformation and tourism to strengthen ties.

At the G20 Summit in Brazil, President Yoon pledged USD 10 million in humanitarian aid for Africa¡¯s food crisis and committed to expanding food assistance for vulnerable populations. He supported G20 initiatives on poverty eradication and economic growth in developing nations. Yoon also proposed international cooperation on the climate crisis and clean energy, announcing a Carbon-Free Energy Task Force and a certification system, while reaffirming Korea¡¯s commitment to green ODA for climate-vulnerable countries.

On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, President Yoon engaged with MIK TA leaders to discuss sustainable development, international peace, and global governance. He also held meetings with South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral ties.