President Lee Jae Myung and Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda agreed to strengthen cooperation on critical-mineral supply chains, artificial intelligence and energy during talks at the Blue House in Seoul on Sept. 14, 2026. Lee proposed expanding Korea-ADB cooperation to stabilize critical-mineral supplies in Central Asia, citing the region’s abundant natural resources and geographic advantages. He also outlined the government’s AI for All project, which aims to build an AI-basic society where people can access AI services regardless of income, age or digital literacy. The two sides discussed combining Korea’s AI capabilities and development experience with the ADB’s expertise, as well as using Korean technology in ADB initiatives including the Asean Power Grid and nuclear-energy projects. Separately, Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol and Kanda discussed converting Korea-Central Asia cooperation into investment projects, the ADB’s planned Center for AI Innovation and Development, the Global AI Hub initiative and regional power infrastructure. Kanda received unanimous backing earlier in September for a second five-year term beginning in November.