Trump: "Korea is a key partner… Looking forward to meeting President Lee Jae-myung"

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is looking forward to a meeting with President Lee Jae-myung.

On the 29th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump, in his keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 held at the Gyeongju Arts Center, said, "South Korea's development is tremendous. Countries around the world should look at what Korea has achieved, learn from it, and develop."

He also emphasized that diplomatic relations with South Korea are very important. Trump said, "South Korea is one of America's closest allies and one of the few countries with a sustainable democracy. I am very much looking forward to meeting President Lee Jae-myung."

He added, "South Korea and the United States are very serious partners. Through cooperation with South Korea, we can build shipbuilding capabilities, and based on this, the United States and its partners (in the Indo-Pacific) will prosper."

He expressed confidence about the recent situation in the United States and international affairs. He said, "The United States currently has the most powerful military and economy. Although my second term began not long ago, investments exceeding 20 trillion dollars are already coming in, and next quarter the U.S. GDP growth rate is expected to be in the 4% range. The United States is currently undergoing an economic revolution."

He also made critical remarks about Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's interest rate actions. He said, "Jerome (Too Late) Powell is always late. Even though U.S. interest rates should be lowered, Powell drags his feet and is late every day. Because of this situation, stock prices fall even when good news comes out. I will correct this and create a normal market where, as before, good news would cause the stock market to rise."

He praised the state of industrial development in the United States. Trump said, "American factories are booming, and the United States will regain leadership in semiconductors. Semiconductor production indicators are recovering very quickly."