Korea Chosen to host the 5th G20 Sumit in 2010

President Lee Myung-bak underscored global commitment to free trade and green growth throughout his visit to the United States from Sep. 20 to 26.

First Lady Kim Yoon-ok accompanied him on his visit.

During his first visit to the United Nations General Assembly since his inauguration, the President presented the Korean government's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nurture green industries through a keynote address and other round-table discussions.

In Pittsburgh, where the third round of G20 meetings took place, President Lee emphasized the preparation of exit strategies for the end of the international financial crisis and proposed anti-global protectionism measures once again, with a view to Korea being the chair of the G20 summit next year.

President Lee also met with the UN Secretary General at United Nations headquarters, joined a reception hosted by the U.S. President, and had two separate meetings with Korean residents in New York and Pittsburgh.

President Lee announced in Pittsburgh on Sep. 25 that Korea had been chosen to host the fifth G20 summit meeting in November 2010.

Sakong Il, a special adviser to the President, who had led the efforts for Korea to host a G20 meeting, said that Seoul’s hosting was a historic achievement.

By hosting the meeting of the world’s most powerful economies, Korea will start playing a crucial role in the international economic spheres, he said.

The President also had bilateral meetings with key counterparts during his U.S. visit.

Newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Chinese President Hu Jintao promised to President Lee that they would join efforts to solve North Korea’s nuclear issues through the six-party talks at an early date.

President Lee also talked with Canadian and Danish Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Lars Rasmussen, through which the importance of bilateral FTA deals and the 50th anniversary of two-way diplomatic ties were emphasized, respectively.

President Lee also met with Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and leaders of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP).