Busan: South Korea and Japan are coordinating a visit by outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to a southern South Korean city next week for talks with President Lee Jae Myung, a Seoul official confirmed Thursday. "We are discussing with the Japanese side plans for Prime Minister Ishiba's visit at the end of September," the official stated, noting that more details will be made public once finalized.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ishiba is expected to make a two-day trip to the southern port city of Busan, starting Tuesday. This visit, if confirmed, will serve as a reciprocal gesture following President Lee's recent trip to Japan last month, before he proceeded to the United States for discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Since assuming office in June, President Lee has expressed his intention to uphold the warming of relations and collaborate closely with Tokyo to enhance not only bilateral connections but also trilateral cooperation with Washington. This commitment comes alongside addressing longstanding historical issues linked to Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1935.
President Lee notably broke with tradition by choosing to visit Japan before the United States on his first international trip as president. This decision appeared to underscore his dedication to fostering strong ties with both nations.
The anticipated visit is likely to be Ishiba's final trip as prime minister, following his announcement of resignation earlier this month after the ruling party's substantial electoral losses in both the lower house last October and the upper house in July this year. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is scheduled to elect a new leader on October 4.