SEOUL, August 21 (AJP) - South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation and co-founder of Microsoft, at the presidential office near central Seoul on Thursday. Lee and Gates' conversation focused on collaboration in global public health, next-generation nuclear energy, and South Korea’s role in emerging industries.
Gates, visiting South Korea for the first time in three years, opened the meeting by wishing President Lee well in his upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Have a good conversation with President Trump," Gates said, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Lee responded, "It will be difficult, but I will handle it wisely."
The two discussed the growing role of South Korea in the development of small modular reactors, or SMRs, a field where Gates has invested through his company TerraPower. President Lee underscored the potential of South Korean firms in this space.
"Many of our companies are developing small modular reactors and expanding their presence in the global market," Lee said. "South Korea can become a global leader in SMRs. Our companies are well-prepared, and we already have a significant edge internationally."
Praising Gates's global contributions, Lee said, "I respect your dedication to public service for the planet and for humanity. The South Korean government will seek every possible way to join you in that mission."
Lee added with a smile, "You created Windows, which I use to write emails. Through that, people around the world have been given a window to see the world."
Gates noted that the Gates Foundation had recently marked its 25th anniversary with a pledge to use all of its funds and his personal assets within 20 years. "We are aiming to use around 200 billion dollars, with a focus on improving global public health," he said.
He highlighted an ambitious target. "We want to reduce the number of child deaths worldwide to fewer than 2 million a year over the next 20 years, which means cutting 80 percent from current levels."
Gates emphasized that South Korea could play a critical role in achieving this goal. "One of the key ways is through South Korea's innovative products. Your bioscience sector is extraordinary," he said.
"From the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to SD Biosensor, SK, LG, and EuBiologics, the biotech landscape in South Korea has grown immensely. Ten years ago, it was small. Today, it is one of the world’s most important industries," he added. "I have had many opportunities to work directly with products from these companies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their vaccines and diagnostic tools were excellent."
Gates also pointed to the broader global shifts. "The world has changed dramatically. Along with geopolitical shifts, we have seen massive technological changes, such as AI. For South Korea, this is a key opportunity to reassess strategy and solidify its presence in developing solutions."
Gates also urged South Korea to continue contributing to global health. "South Korea is almost uniquely positioned, having gone from aid recipient to donor. I hope you continue to play a vital role in improving public health around the world."
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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