Takaichi: “With President Lee’s Visit to Japan, Japan–Korea Relations Will Advance to a Higher Level”

Financial News, Seoul and Nara (Japan) – Reporters Choi Jong-geun and Sung Seok-wooPrime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan said on the 13th, “I hope to make this a year in which, starting with President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Japan, Japan–Korea relations advance to a higher level.”
Prime Minister Takaichi made these remarks during an expanded Japan–Korea summit held that afternoon in Nara Prefecture, Japan. She said, “On this first occasion of shuttle diplomacy this year, I am delighted to be able to welcome you, Mr. President, and the Korean delegation here to my hometown of Nara,” extending her greetings of welcome.
She went on to say, “Just a short while ago, under our shared recognition of the strategic importance of Japan–Korea relations, we were able to have in-depth discussions,” adding, “Together with you, Mr. President, I have once again reaffirmed the view that, as we move Japan–Korea relations forward, our two countries must cooperate for regional stability and fully play our respective roles.”
Prime Minister Takaichi said, “You, Mr. President, spoke of the next 60 years, the coming 60th anniversary. I am very pleased that last year, which marked the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, both sides were able to continuously demonstrate the resilience of Japan–Korea relations.”
Earlier in the day, President Lee, at the invitation of Prime Minister Takaichi, departed for Japan and arrived at Kansai International Airport in the morning. President Lee then traveled directly to Nara Prefecture, which is also Prime Minister Takaichi’s hometown.
Cheong Wa Dae stated that Prime Minister Takaichi gave President Lee an especially warm welcome by personally receiving him in front of his local accommodation. Cheong Wa Dae explained, “Originally, a hotel representative was scheduled to greet him, but the protocol was elevated with the prime minister herself extending the welcome.”
That afternoon, President Lee began with a one-on-one summit with Prime Minister Takaichi, followed by an expanded summit, and is scheduled to hold a joint press announcement with the prime minister afterward. This summit is the fifth Japan–Korea leaders’ meeting since President Lee took office, and the second Japan–Korea summit since Shigeru Ishiba stepped down and Prime Minister Takaichi assumed office.
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Sung Seok-woo Reporter