President Lee Jae Myung and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi conducted their inaugural summit meeting in Gyeongju, during which both leaders committed to fostering progressive collaboration between their respective nations.
The leaders also decided to maintain the "shuttle diplomacy" practice — a system of regular reciprocal diplomatic visits that was reinstated during former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's tenure — to ensure ongoing dialogue between the two countries.
Based on information from the presidential office, President Lee noted that according to the current shuttle diplomacy arrangement, South Korea should be the next to make a visit to Japan, and he expressed his preference to meet with Takaichi in a regional location rather than Tokyo. Takaichi responded positively, indicating her anticipation for an upcoming meeting with President Lee.
Also Read: Onodera to Head LDP's Tax Panel
This summit represented the initial formal encounter between the two leaders following Takaichi's assumption of office on October 21. The discussion spanned approximately 40 minutes, taking place from 6:02 p.m. to 6:43 p.m., concurrent with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference activities.
Throughout their conversation, President Lee began by offering congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi for her historic achievement as Japan's first female head of government.
Lee additionally expressed appreciation for Takaichi's statements during her first press conference the previous week, where she characterized South Korea as a significant neighboring partner and highlighted the increasing significance of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations.
Highlighting the importance of enhanced collaboration in response to evolving global and commercial landscapes, Lee stated that the moment had arrived for both nations, as neighboring allies, to strengthen their progressive partnership.
Also Read: Japan Raises Capital Requirement for Business Manager Visa
The Prime Minister of Japan conveyed gratitude for President Lee's gracious reception, offering congratulations on his June inauguration and praising South Korea's effective coordination of the APEC conferences.
She stressed that Japan and South Korea serve as vital regional partners, observing that the importance of bilateral and three-way cooperation has intensified given the current increasingly intricate strategic landscape.
Commemorating the 60th milestone of diplomatic relationship normalization between the countries this year, Takaichi voiced optimism that both nations could leverage the groundwork laid over many decades to strengthen their connections.
She touched down at Gimhae International Airport earlier that afternoon, commencing a three-day stay for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.
Also Read: Vietnamese Party Chief Concludes State Visit to DPRK
Prior to leaving Tokyo, Takaichi informed journalists that she was looking forward to conducting a "meaningful" summit with Lee, highlighting her intention to "establish a trusting relationship for regional peace, stability, and prosperity" during the APEC forum.