Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung expressed his commitment to developing a “future-oriented” relationship with Japan, emphasizing the complex historical ties between the two neighboring countries. This statement was made following his first summit with Japan’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, who was in South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee shared his thoughts in a Facebook post, outlining the longstanding exchanges between South Korea and Japan. He acknowledged that the proximity and shared history sometimes lead to emotional tensions, akin to familial disputes, but stressed that cooperation and neighborly relations could not be ignored.
Lee highlighted that both he and Prime Minister Takaichi agreed on the importance of managing bilateral relations in a “future-oriented way,” especially in the context of rapidly evolving global dynamics. During their meeting, they decided to continue active communication through reciprocal visits, known as “shuttle diplomacy,” to strengthen ties further.
The South Korean President expressed his desire to participate in ongoing shuttle diplomacy and mentioned his hope to meet Takaichi again in a Japanese city outside Tokyo. “I look forward to continuing the shuttle diplomacy to open a new future for bilateral relations,” Lee stated, signaling a commitment to fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.