Trump Highlights Strong Economic Ties in Talks With Korean President, APEC Business Leaders

 Trump Highlights Strong Economic Ties in Talks With Korean President, APEC Business Leaders
GYEONGJU, South Korea — U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea on October 29 to a red-carpet welcome, complete with cannon salutes and full state honors. He met with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and top global business leaders to discuss trade, peace, and regional cooperation.
Calling the ceremony “a beautiful scene,” Trump praised South Korea’s hospitality and reaffirmed the strong alliance between the two nations. President Lee honored Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest civilian award — the first time a U.S. president has received it.
Lee commended Trump for his efforts to promote peace and global stability, expressing hope that his diplomacy could help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The talks came amid renewed missile tests by North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, prompting discussions on defense and security.
While a meeting between Trump and Kim was not scheduled, Trump signaled openness to future dialogue, saying his schedule was “very tight.”
The bilateral meeting took place on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Gyeongju, where world leaders, executives, and policymakers gathered to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
In his keynote address to Asia-Pacific business leaders, Trump praised South Korea as “a cherished American friend and a close ally,” emphasizing shared prosperity and cooperation.
“When America thrives, our partners thrive,” Trump said. “Together, we will build a future of strong, independent nations united by shared values and a vision for a safer, more prosperous Pacific.
rump Highlights Strong Economic Ties in Talks With Korean President, APEC Business Leaders
GYEONGJU, South Korea — U.S. President Donald Trump began his high-profile visit to South Korea on October 29 with a grand red-carpet reception at Gyeongju International Airport, marked by cannon salutes, military bands, and cheering crowds. This visit—his second official state visit as president—underscored Washington’s renewed focus on the Indo-Pacific region and its long-standing partnership with Seoul.
During a formal meeting at the Gyeongju National Museum, Trump sat down with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to discuss trade, defense cooperation, and regional stability. President Lee presented Trump with the Grand Order of Mugunghwa, South Korea’s highest honor, traditionally reserved for the nation’s own leaders—a gesture symbolizing the strength of U.S.–Korea relations.
In his remarks, Trump praised South Korea’s rapid development and democratic success story, calling it “one of the most remarkable nations anywhere on Earth.” He highlighted the two countries’ deep economic partnership, noting that Korean investments in the U.S. have created thousands of jobs and boosted technology and manufacturing sectors.
“The Republic of Korea is not just a trusted ally—it’s a vital partner in innovation, defense, and prosperity,” Trump said. “Our economic ties have never been stronger, and our friendship has never been deeper.”
President Lee thanked Trump for his “continued commitment to peace,” referencing the former president’s previous diplomatic efforts with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. Although a meeting with Kim was not part of this trip, Trump indicated that he remains open to dialogue in the future, saying that “peace through strength” remains a guiding principle of U.S. policy.
On the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Trump addressed hundreds of top executives and business leaders from across Asia. He encouraged multilateral investment, technological collaboration, and free trade that benefits all parties.
“When America thrives, our partners thrive,” Trump said in his keynote address. “The Indo-Pacific region stands as a beacon of opportunity, and together, we can ensure a future of security, prosperity, and freedom.”
The summit, held near Lake Bomun in Gyeongju, brought together thousands of delegates to discuss trade, innovation, and sustainable growth across the region. Trump’s visit also set the stage for an anticipated meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, expected to focus on tariffs, supply chain resilience, and regional stability.
Before departing, Trump reaffirmed his vision for a “stronger, safer, and more prosperous Pacific,” urging nations to work together toward mutual progress.
“The spirit of partnership between the United States and South Korea,” he said, “is a model for what free and sovereign nations can achieve when guided by courage, innovation, and respect.”