Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung has called on Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to enhance bilateral cooperation during their inaugural summit talks on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering. The discussions took place as global dynamics undergo rapid changes, underscoring the need for collaboration between the two neighboring countries.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee reiterated his dedication to fostering closer ties with Japan. In his opening remarks, he highlighted the importance of future-oriented cooperation between South Korea and Japan in the face of evolving international dynamics and trade environments. Lee emphasized that both nations share numerous common challenges domestically and internationally, advocating for increased coordination to address these issues.
Prime Minister Takaichi echoed these sentiments, describing South Korea and Japan as vital neighboring countries. She expressed optimism for stronger cooperation, particularly as this year marks the 60th anniversary of normalized bilateral relations. Takaichi noted the potential benefits of developing stable, future-focused ties and suggested maintaining close communication and reciprocal visits, a concept referred to as “shuttle diplomacy.”
The summit comes at a time of rising uncertainty in Seoul-Tokyo relations, following Takaichi’s election as Japan’s first female leader. Known for her hawkish views on historical issues related to Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, her visit is seen as pivotal. Observers are keenly watching the summit, as it may set the tone for the future trajectory of relations between the two nations, which had seen significant improvements under Takaichi’s predecessors.