Tokyo: President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Japan for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with discussions anticipated to focus on bilateral ties and regional and global issues amidst tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee will be in Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's home area, for two days as part of "shuttle diplomacy" efforts aimed at sustaining improved relations. This marks Lee's second visit to Japan, following his previous trip last August for talks with former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and his third meeting with Takaichi since she took office in October.
The meeting comes shortly after Lee's state visit to China for talks with President Xi Jinping, amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Tokyo following Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. In a recent interview with Japan's NHK, Lee emphasized the equal importance of relations with Japan and China for South Korea, asserting that Seoul will not involve itself in tensions over Taiwan.
Another key issue on the agenda is South Korea's ban on seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures, a restriction imposed in 2013 due to radiation concerns from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. While Lee noted that easing these restrictions would take time, the issue is a significant diplomatic agenda item as South Korea seeks Japan's support for its bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Discussions on North Korea are also expected, as both leaders have shown interest in engaging with Pyongyang. Lee has welcomed Takaichi's intention to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un over the abduction issue, expressing willingness to facilitate dialogue and help establish diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Pyongyang.
Historical issues are anticipated to be addressed, with the Lee administration pursuing a "two-track" approach to expand future-oriented cooperation while dealing with unresolved wartime history matters from Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed hope that the talks will advance efforts to recover the remains of Korean forced laborers from the Chosei undersea coal mine, where a 1942 flood resulted in the deaths of 136 Koreans.
On Wednesday, Lee and Takaichi will attend diplomatic events together, including a visit to Horyuji Temple, Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lee is also set to meet with members of the Korean community in Japan before returning home later in the day.