Seoul: South Korea downgraded its participation in the NATO summit in the Netherlands this week, citing 'domestic priorities' and uncertainties in the Middle East, as reported by local media on Monday. President Lee Jae Myung has opted not to attend the summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague.

According to Anadolu Agency, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac will represent South Korea at the summit instead. The decision was announced in a statement from the Presidential Office on Monday. Although South Korea is not a member of the military alliance, NATO has extended invitations to Seoul, alongside Japan and Australia, for its summits in recent years.

The decision by President Lee to forgo the summit was influenced by domestic 'priorities' and escalating tensions in the Middle East. The region has witnessed increased hostilities, particularly following an attack by the US on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday, amid ongoing conflicts between Israel and Iran.