Nara: President Lee Jae Myung is set to embark on a two-day visit to Japan's Nara prefecture next week for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aimed at enhancing bilateral ties and discussing regional and global issues, as announced by Cheong Wa Dae on Friday. The summit, scheduled for next Tuesday, will see Lee in Takaichi's hometown, following his recent talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the agenda for the meeting will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including economic, societal, and cultural exchanges. This marks the first extensive dialogue between Lee and Takaichi since their brief encounters at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju and the Group of 20 summit in South Africa last year.
The visit also includes a friendship event with Takaichi and a meeting with ethnic Koreans residing in Japan, before Lee returns home on Wednesday. This trip represents Lee's second visit to Japan following his August visit to Tokyo, where he engaged with then-Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Cheong Wa Dae emphasized the importance of this visit in fostering a "shuttle diplomacy" dynamic, which is expected to boost bilateral relations. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed optimism that the summit would deepen mutual trust and expand collaboration in future industries, particularly artificial intelligence.
Wi also highlighted the potential for advancing humanitarian cooperation, addressing historical issues such as the recovery of remains from the Chosei undersea coal mine, where a 1942 flood resulted in the deaths of 136 forcibly mobilized Koreans. South Korean and Japanese authorities are reportedly coordinating efforts on DNA analysis for remains found at the site.
Additionally, the leaders are anticipated to explore strategies for addressing regional and global challenges, including North Korea. President Lee has previously expressed his intention to advance relations with Japan while acknowledging the historical complexities of Korea's past under Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
This summit occurs amidst ongoing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, particularly following contentious remarks by the Japanese prime minister regarding Taiwan.