South Korean President Moon Jae-in to visit Austria

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit Austria today.

During his visit, President Moon will meet with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, marking the first time a Korean head of state has visited Austria since the two countries established ties in 1892. This trip follows his attendance at the G-7 summit in the United Kingdom and will be his first trip to Europe since the pandemic last year.

Expect Moon’s meetings to focus on strengthening cultural exchanges through education, addressing climate change and supporting sustainable industries. Since his tenure ends next May, Moon is particularly eager to enlarge South Korea’s international prestige and bolster ties with Europe. Europe intends to work with South Korea on healthcare and climate change, and Moon will have a chance to discuss these issues and South Korea’s Green New Deal initiative at the G-7 summit in the UK. G-7 members are also keen to develop relations with Asian allies and build a more robust diplomatic presence in the region. A stronger relationship with Korea will likely be a significant part of this.