Trump pledges role in advancing Korean Peninsula peace

June 17 (Asia Today) -- U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to play a role in advancing peace on the Korean Peninsula during talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in France, Seoul's presidential office said Wednesday.

Lee and Trump discussed the South Korea-U.S. alliance, developments in the Middle East and security on the Korean Peninsula during an official dinner hosted Tuesday by French President Emmanuel Macron in Évian-les-Bains.

Lee urged Trump to remain engaged so that sustainable peace could be established on the Korean Peninsula following progress toward ending the conflict in the Middle East.

Trump responded that he would take the necessary steps to help achieve progress on Korean Peninsula issues, according to Oh Hyun-joo, South Korea's third deputy national security adviser.

Trump also said he would consider ways to contribute to peace on the peninsula and maintain close communication with Lee.

Oh described the exchange during a briefing Wednesday at a press center in Geneva, Switzerland.

Lee, who was seated next to Trump at the dinner, welcomed the conclusion of negotiations to end the conflict between the United States and Iran. He also congratulated Trump on reaching the agreement around his birthday.

The South Korean president praised Trump's efforts to restore peace in the Middle East and address concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear program.

The two leaders agreed on the importance of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. They also expressed hope that renewed regional stability would help stabilize oil prices and support an economic recovery.

Asked whether the leaders discussed South Korea's possible participation in an Iranian reconstruction fund, a senior presidential official did not directly address the question.

"The two leaders agreed on the importance of the principle of free passage through the Strait of Hormuz," the official said. "President Lee noted that South Korea has both the willingness and the capacity to make a meaningful contribution to international efforts, including those led by the United States."

Lee and Trump reaffirmed the importance of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States and Japan, supported by the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

They also exchanged views on expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in shipbuilding and other industries.

"There is no disagreement over implementing the South Korea-U.S. investment agreement, including cooperation in shipbuilding, because of the deep trust between the two leaders," a presidential official said.

Trump described Lee as a "strong leader" and expressed confidence that the two countries could work together to promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and across the region, Oh said.

The leaders met several times during the summit, including at Tuesday's dinner and Wednesday's welcoming ceremony for invited countries.

They also spoke briefly after a musical performance and entered the second expanded G7 session together, according to the presidential office.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260617010006203

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This story was originally published June 18, 2026 at 5:31 PM.