Lee, German leader Merz hold talks on sidelines of G7 summit South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, as the bloc discussed joint responses to global challenges including Russia's war in Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, financial instability, and AI risks. EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held bilateral talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday on the sidelines of a Group of Seven G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. The talks came as Lee attended the G7 summit for the second consecutive year as the leader of an invited country, while the bloc of influential countries discussed joint responses to global challenges. The broader focus of this year's G7 summit is on ending Russia's war in Ukraine and addressing the war in the Middle East, as well as global financial instability and risks associated with artificial intelligence AI .