Andong: President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have agreed to strengthen cooperation on supply chains and the procurement of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This agreement was reached during a summit held at a hotel in Andong, President Lee's hometown, located 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, both leaders emphasized the necessity of close bilateral cooperation in response to the instability in supply chains and energy markets caused by the recent situation in the Middle East. They also stressed the importance of restoring peace in the region swiftly. The countries resolved to enhance their bilateral supply chain cooperation and further solidify their collaboration in the LNG and crude oil sectors, which are crucial energy sources for both nations.
In a live-televised joint press event, President Lee stated that they agreed to expand bilateral LNG cooperation and strengthen communication channels regarding crude oil supply and stockpiling. Prime Minister Takaichi mentioned the consideration of a bilateral swap arrangement for crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG. She and Lee also reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing "mutually beneficial" cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the economy, and security.
The summit also highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo and trilateral cooperation with Washington to ensure peace and stability in the region. President Lee specifically referred to upcoming DNA tests on remains found at the site of the wartime Chosei coal mine in Japan, where a 1942 tunnel collapse is believed to have killed over 100 Korean forced laborers. The two countries have collaborated on the procedures and methods for the DNA analysis.
President Lee described the DNA testing as a meaningful first step in addressing historical issues and expressed optimism about the limitless possibilities for Korea-Japan partnership. He looks forward to developing new avenues for cooperation that can bring shared prosperity and tangible benefits to the people of both nations.
During the summit's opening, President Lee emphasized Japan's role as an important partner in overcoming global challenges, likening the current international situation to a "rainstorm" that necessitates cooperation among like-minded countries. He also highlighted the two countries' joint efforts in ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and evacuating their nationals from the Middle East.
Prime Minister Takaichi's visit to South Korea is part of the ongoing "shuttle diplomacy" between the neighboring countries. Her arrival in Andong was marked by a warm welcome from President Lee, who matched his tie with the color of her suit. The leaders have met four times in seven months, confirming the establishment of their shuttle diplomacy.
The summit concluded with a banquet dinner featuring fusion Korean cuisine inspired by historical Andong recipes, prepared without red pepper powder to accommodate the Japanese leader. Prime Minister Takaichi proposed holding the next round of shuttle diplomacy in a Japanese hot spring town, to which President Lee jokingly responded, prompting laughter from attendees.
Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to return to Japan on Wednesday morning.