President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Japan to engage in summit discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The agenda for their meeting includes conversations on bilateral relations, regional dynamics, and global concerns, all taking place against the backdrop of strained relations between Tokyo and Beijing.
Lee is set to spend two days in Nara Prefecture, which happens to be the home prefecture of Takaichi, as part of leader-level visits characterized as "shuttle diplomacy." The purpose of these visits is to uphold the current positive momentum in relations.
Also Read: Indonesia Taps Literature, Cuisine to Boost Cultural Diplomacy
This will be Lee's second trip to Japan, which follows his visit last August to meet with Takaichi's predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba. Additionally, this will be his third encounter with Takaichi since she assumed her position in October.
Lee and Takaichi initially engaged in summit discussions during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Gyeongju in late October, followed by a brief encounter at the Group of 20 leaders' summit in South Africa in November.
The gathering occurs shortly after Lee's official visit to China for high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping, amidst escalating tensions between Beijing and Tokyo in light of Takaichi's comments regarding Taiwan.
During an interview with NHK of Japan, Lee emphasized the significance of South Korea's relationship with Japan, likening it to the importance of its ties with China. He also stated that Seoul will not involve itself in or meddle in the tensions between Japan and China concerning Taiwan.
South Korea is likely to address the issue of its ban on seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures during discussions, as Tokyo has persistently urged for the elimination of the restrictions implemented in 2013 due to radiation fears stemming from the Fukushima nuclear incident in 2011.
Also Read: Business Leaders of Korea, Japan Call for Deeper Ties
During the interview, Lee mentioned that the process of relaxing the restrictions will be gradual, as it is important to address and alleviate public concerns. He emphasized that this matter is a key priority on Seoul's diplomatic agenda, especially as they aim to garner Tokyo's backing for their participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It is anticipated that North Korea will be a topic of discussion as both leaders have shown a desire to enter into dialogue with Pyongyang.
Lee appreciated Takaichi's statement of interest in engaging in discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un regarding the abduction matter, expressing willingness to assist in mediating dialogues between Tokyo and Pyongyang and aiding in the process of establishing diplomatic relations between the two parties.
The Lee administration is anticipated to address historical matters as part of its strategy to simultaneously enhance forward-looking collaboration and tackle outstanding wartime history disputes arising from Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910-1945.
National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac expressed optimism that the forthcoming discussions will facilitate enhanced collaboration in the endeavor to retrieve the remains of Korean forced laborers from the Chosei undersea coal mine located in Japan's western Yamaguchi Prefecture. This site saw a tragic incident in 1942 resulting in the loss of 136 Korean lives due to a flood.
Also Read: ADB, World Bank Launch First Projects in Pacific
On Wednesday, the two leaders have planned to participate in various diplomatic activities together, such as a visit to Horyuji Temple, renowned for being the world's oldest existing wooden structures and Japan's inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lee is additionally planning to engage with individuals from the Korean community residing in Japan before concluding his visit and returning home later in the day.