(LEAD) Lee calls for int'l cooperation to strengthen resilience of energy supply chains at G7 summit

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; UPDATES throughout with more info, photo)By Park Boram

EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stressed the importance of international cooperation to strengthen the resilience of energy supply chains while attending an expanded session of the Group of Seven (G7) summit Wednesday in the French town of Evian-les-Bains.

The second expanded session of the 2026 G7 summit brought together leaders of G7 member countries, invited nations and the International Monetary Fund, among others.

This AFP photo shows South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (L) and French President Emmanuel Macron posing for a photo during the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 16, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

During the session, Lee pointed out that the conflict in the Middle East exposed significant vulnerabilities of the Asia-Pacific region's energy supply chains compared with other regions, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to enhance their resilience, the presidential office said.

The president pledged South Korea's support for the International Energy Agency in playing a greater role in restoring the resilience of energy supply chains in the Asian region.

Lee also highlighted economic imbalances facing the international community, calling for coordinated global efforts to address global disparities, while pledging to join international efforts to secure stable supply chains.

Later in the day, Lee joined a working lunch attended by the chiefs of major AI companies to discuss cybersecurity and the protection of minors, according to the presidential office.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (L) speaks to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (R) during their attendance at the Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on June 17, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)