So much to do so little time.
During the 2 day event, President Moon will have to carry out multiple meetings on the
side.
For closer look at the many agenda the liberal leader must focus on during those sessions
our Lee Ji-won turns to some expert analyses.
Every year, world leaders gather at the G20 summit to discuss the world's most pressing
issues.
But for President Moon Jae-in, who's been in the country's top office for two months
now, this year's G20 summit is also where he makes his debut on the global political
stage.
And among the numerous topics covered during the two-day event, there are some issues that
stand out as particularly important for South Korea and President Moon.
North Korea's nuclear threats is probably the most critical issue for not just the South
Korean leader, but for other world leaders too.
And with Pyongyang's missile launch earlier in the week, experts say it is even more important
for countries to come together.
"North Korea's nuclear weapons development not only threatens the Korean peninsula but
the whole world as well.
It also violates the UN Security Council's resolutions.
And so it's important for President Moon to seek cooperation and solutions together with
world leaders."
But while countries agree that international support is needed, some experts say President
Moon needs to go a step further and try to establish a consensus that inter-Korean relations
should now be led by South Korea.
"Previously, Seoul simply sought to play a role equal to the U.S. or China in dealing
with Pyongyang's denuclearization.
But now, President Moon has been urging that Seoul play a more leading role in the process,
through appropriate pressure and engagement strategies, while still seeking cooperation
from other countries."
The expert added that this point has been stressed and agreed on during the first South
Korea-U.S. summit last week,... but President Moon must use the G20 summit to show that
South Korea has the determination and capability to lead on this issue, and help resolve the
deadlock between the differing views of the U.S. and China.
One of the other key diplomatic challenges for President Moon is to clearly deliver South
Korea's stance to China on the deployment of the THAAD missile defense system.
Beijing has reiterated its opposition to the deployment of THAAD on South Korean soil on
numerous occasions, saying that the system compromised its regional interests.
This in turn resulted in South Korean firms and cultural exports suffering from unofficial
economic retaliation from China.
Thus, experts agree that it is pivotal that President Moon makes his Chinese counterpart
understand that THAAD is a matter of national security as well as survival for South Korea.
"It's the first time the leaders are meeting,... and with President Moon delivering our stance
and listening to China's opinion in person, it is hoped that the two countries can develop
a more constructive and future-oriented relationship."
And in his first talk with his Chinese counterpart on Thursday, President Moon sought President
Xi's support in improving economic relations between the two countries.
While Xi continued to hint that Seoul should remove the THAAD battery, saying he cannot
ignore the Chinese public's concerns,... some experts say that the talk was not altogether
unproductive.
"China's response was somewhat expected.
Despite the negative response, President Moon's will to bring up this issue was significant.
Although no clear solution came out from the talk, I believe the mutual trust and respect
established between the two leaders will bring a brighter future."
With many other issues to discuss, President Moon has already held his first bilateral
talks with his German, Chinese and Japanese counterparts,.. and is scheduled to meet with
more leaders on the second day of the summit.
Experts say the leaders' evaluations of Moon could be significant for future relations.
"If the leaders have a positive evaluation of President Moon, such as seeing a very rational
or gentle side of him, it is likely for them to think of him as a very trustable partner,...
and possibly increase the roles South Korea can play in the international society."
Experts say this is only the beginning for President Moon, and that they hope the G20
summit will work as an opportunity for him to expand South Korea's role in the international
community.
Lee Ji-won, Arirang News.