Lee meets with WHO chief to discuss cooperation in healthcare

President Lee Jae Myung met with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday to discuss expanding cooperation in healthcare, according to a statement from Lee's office. The meeting took place at Cheong Wa Dae as Tedros is currently in Seoul to attend the World Bio Summit 2026, which is being hosted by WHO in collaboration with South Korea.

During the discussion, Lee emphasized the importance of South Korea increasing its role and contributions to the international community, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kim Sung-wan in a written briefing. The president expressed his hope that Seoul would continue to strengthen its collaboration with WHO, particularly in the area of health security.

Lee urged Tedros to assist in ensuring that more highly skilled South Koreans could contribute to the organization, acknowledging that South Korea has shifted from being a recipient of international aid to becoming a significant contributor. Tedros thanked South Korea for its efforts to enhance cooperation with WHO and promote global health, recognizing the country's development experience. He stressed the significance of equitable access to healthcare globally.