Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung expressed optimism regarding South Korea's relationship with Japan following his inaugural summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Lee emphasized that both nations could progress towards mutually beneficial ties by addressing their pending issues directly.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee shared these sentiments during a press conference concluding the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju. He highlighted that both leaders recognized the necessity to enhance bilateral cooperation during their Thursday meeting.
When questioned by a Japanese media representative about his discussions with Takaichi, Lee remarked positively on the interaction, stating, "I am no longer worried." He also voiced his belief that South Korea and Japan could foster a cooperative relationship by confronting existing challenges and collaborating towards future goals.
Takaichi's recent election had sparked apprehension that South Korea-Japan relations might decline due to her well-known hawkish stance on historical issues related to Japan's colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Addressing these concerns, Lee noted that Takaichi's approach as prime minister would differ from her previous political stances.
Lee described his personal engagement with Takaichi as revealing her to be a remarkable politician with shared views. He proposed that their next meeting take place in Takaichi's hometown of Nara, to which she responded favorably.
During Thursday's summit, both leaders agreed to continue reciprocal visits, a practice known as "shuttle diplomacy," to sustain the momentum in their bilateral coordination.