Tokyo: President Lee Jae Myung is set to visit Japan from August 23 to 24 for summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, aiming to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen the trilateral partnership with the United States, as confirmed by the presidential office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee's itinerary includes a subsequent trip to Washington, where he will engage in his inaugural summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on August 25. This visit marks Lee's first to Japan since assuming office in early June and follows his initial in-person meeting with Ishiba at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung highlighted that the summit aims to establish a solid foundation for future-oriented cooperation between South Korea and Japan. The discussions will also encompass strengthening Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, as well as addressing regional peace, stability, and broader global issues.
The decision to prioritize Japan over the U.S. as his first diplomatic destination is seen as a departure from the norm, as previous South Korean presidents have typically opted for Washington. In their prior meeting, Lee and Ishiba agreed on fostering future-oriented relations, continuing "shuttle diplomacy," and enhancing trilateral cooperation with the U.S.
Lee is determined to implement a "two-track" policy, separating historical disputes from future cooperation, recognizing the pressing need for collaboration amid evolving economic and security challenges. Both South Korea and Japan, as key Asian allies of the U.S. and economic powerhouses, face uncertainties due to the Trump administration's tariffs and North Korea's closer ties with Russia.
Lee's commitment to "pragmatic diplomacy" will be tested during this visit, which coincides with significant anniversaries: the 60th year of normalized diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan and the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule.