Lee vows to expand South Korea's role in global peace, security at NATO summit

President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday he intends to "further expand South Korea's role in world peace and security" on the NATO stage, as he departed on a five-day trip to Turkey and Mongolia.

Writing on Facebook that day, Lee said he was heading to Turkey for the NATO summit at the invitation of Secretary-General Mark Rutte.

Lee recalled that Rutte had recently praised South Korea, saying he "loves Korea" and called its defense industry base "fantastic." "I am truly proud that the countless drops of sweat shed to rebuild from the ruins of war and defend our country have become competitiveness the world now recognizes," Lee said.

He added that South Korea, long a recipient of international support, had become a country that contributes responsibly to global peace and security. "I will do my best on this trip as well, so that I can give our people even greater pride," he said.

He added that he would share updates from Turkey.

Lee's itinerary beginning Tuesday includes attending the NATO summit, where he plans to personally promote the excellence and rapid procurement capabilities of South Korea's defense industry.

He will also make a state visit to Mongolia to pursue cooperation on critical minerals.