South Korean President Lee Jae Myung formally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. The encounter marks the first meeting between the two leaders as Xi makes his first trip to South Korea in more than a decade.

Xi arrived at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Centre at around 10 a.m., where Lee greeted him with a warm smile and a brief, “Welcome,” before the two posed for photographs and shook hands.

“I hope your journey here was comfortable,” Lee told Xi while guiding him into the summit venue.

President Lee also welcomed other world leaders and guests, including Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan. Dressed in a navy suit and blue tie, Lee greeted delegates from 9:15 a.m. onward, maintaining a calm and cordial demeanor.

Xi’s three-day visit marks his first trip to South Korea in 11 years, underscoring renewed diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The leaders are scheduled to hold their first official bilateral summit on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, President Lee opened the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting by urging member economies to strengthen cooperation amid global trade shifts and rising economic uncertainty.

“We are at a critical turning point as the international order undergoes rapid transformation,” Lee said. “Free trade principles are evolving, and global economic uncertainty continues to intensify.”

The gathering brings together leaders from all 21 APEC economies, along with representatives from major international organizations, to discuss strategic cooperation, trade stability, and regional growth.