South Korea and ADB pledge joint push on critical minerals and AI development

In a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee Jae Myung and Asian Development Bank chief Masato Kanda committed to strengthening joint efforts on critical minerals and artificial intelligence. Lee proposed extending South Korean-ADB cooperation to secure supply chains in Central Asia, noting the area's abundant resources and strategic location. Kanda welcomed the idea, confirming that mineral supply stability is a top ADB priority.

On AI, Lee outlined the government's "AI for all" initiative, which seeks to make AI services accessible regardless of income or digital skill. The two sides also agreed to explore ways South Korea's tech expertise can support ADB initiatives, including the ASEAN Power Grid and nuclear power projects.