Tokyo: President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday urged Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to strengthen cooperation to address changes in global trade and security, following summit talks. Lee is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump early next week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee called Japan a "neighbor that shares a front yard," expressing hope for expanded cooperation between the two nations while minimizing unnecessary conflicts. He emphasized the need for South Korea and Japan to enhance collaboration in the face of fluctuating international trade and security orders.
Ishiba agreed, highlighting the importance of stronger bilateral and trilateral ties with the U.S. He noted that peace and stability require active efforts, especially in turbulent times, and thanked Lee for choosing Japan as his first bilateral destination.
The summit with Ishiba precedes Lee's visit to Washington for talks with Trump, marking a rare diplomatic move for South Korean presidents who usually prioritize Washington, a key defense ally. This was Lee's second in-person meeting with Ishiba, following their encounter at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.
In an interview with four Japanese newspapers, Lee expressed hope to enhance cooperation with Japan in security and economic sectors. He described his Tokyo visit as a chance to solidify "future-oriented" ties during the 60th anniversary of the countries' diplomatic relations.
Lee emphasized the complexity of Korea-Japan relations, which include aspects of confrontation, cooperation, and mutual tolerance. He stressed the importance of identifying mutually beneficial elements and maintaining beneficial aspects despite certain negative ones.
On Sunday, Lee is scheduled to meet Japanese lawmakers before departing for Washington for his summit with Trump. While the summit aims to expand cooperation, sensitive issues remain, such as South Korea's ban on seafood imports from Japanese prefectures near Fukushima. Tokyo has requested the lifting of these restrictions.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung stated that the two sides are coordinating on issues critical to national interest or public concern. Kang assured that responses would align with national interest and public sentiment, emphasizing careful handling of sensitive matters.