Lee-Takaichi Hold Shuttle Diplomacy in Andong... South Korea and Japan Cooperate on Supply Chains and Energy

\r [The Financial News Seoul·Tokyo=Choi Jong-geun, Seong Seok-woo, Seo Hye-jin]President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Lee’s hometown, on the 19th and agreed that the two countries must respond together to instability in the supply chain and energy markets caused by the situation in the Middle East. At the summit, Lee said, "The international situation is stormy. More than ever, cooperation and communication among friendly nations are needed." Takaichi also expressed agreement, saying, "The international community, including the situation in the Middle East, is going through a very difficult time. Cooperation between Japan and South Korea on supply chains, including critical minerals, is important."
The summit was a return visit after Lee traveled to Nara Prefecture, Takaichi’s hometown, in January. It was also the first time the leaders of South Korea and Japan carried out shuttle diplomacy by visiting each other’s hometowns. This was the fourth meeting between Lee and Takaichi. Takaichi showed her commitment to shuttle diplomacy, saying, "Next time, [Lee] will come to Japan. Should it be a hot spring, or somewhere else?"
\r\n\r\nAt a joint press briefing after the summit, Lee said, "Prime Minister Takaichi proposed that South Korea and Japan work closely together to deepen resource supply-chain cooperation with other Asian countries facing supply-chain crises. I expressed my support and said I would actively take part." The two sides also agreed to work together to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, on the 14th of last month, Takaichi had referred to the Power Asia initiative for Southeast Asian countries.
Lee said, "Our two countries also decided to further strengthen cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, which are key energy sources. Based on the LNG supply and demand cooperation agreement signed in March, we will expand LNG cooperation between the two countries and deepen information sharing and communication channels related to crude oil supply, demand and stockpiles."
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation among South Korea, Japan and the United States. Lee said, "Amid rapidly changing international conditions, we reaffirmed the importance of South Korea-Japan and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation for peace and stability in the region." He added, "In that context, we viewed the recent elevation of the South Korea-Japan Security Policy Consultative Meeting to the vice-ministerial level as a very meaningful step forward." Takaichi also said, "The president and I confirmed our intention to share information more closely and strengthen concrete cooperation among the three countries, including on security and the economy."
They also discussed the Korean Peninsula. Lee said, "As Northeast Asia is closely interconnected in many respects, including the economy and security, I stressed that for genuine peace and stability in the region, it is important for the three countries of China, Japan and South Korea to respect one another, cooperate and seek common interests." He added, "The two countries also exchanged in-depth views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. I explained our government’s position that we will build a peaceful Korean Peninsula where the two Koreas coexist peacefully and grow together, without having to fight."
Takaichi said, "On the North Korea issue, we discussed how to respond to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile programs, and reaffirmed that we will respond in close coordination." She added, "On the abduction issue, I would like to once again thank the president for expressing support for an immediate resolution."
\r\n\r\nAt the summit, Lee emphasized that South Korea and Japan are important partners, and Takaichi echoed that view. Lee said, "Through strong bilateral cooperation and by working together to overcome the difficulties in the international situation, we are realizing how important the two countries are to each other as partners." He continued, "For the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and freedom of navigation, our two countries joined the Strait of Hormuz Initiative led by the United Kingdom and France, as well as various resolutions adopted by the international community." He added, "We even gave up seats on our own planes so that citizens stranded in the Middle East could return home safely."
Lee also said, "Even in the face of many difficult circumstances, the strong friendship between our two countries is shining more brightly and continuing to grow." He added, "I hope today’s summit, held in the first year of a new 60-year chapter in South Korea-Japan relations, will become a step toward taking the best-ever bilateral ties to the next level."
Takaichi replied, "I was very pleased that the president visited Nara Prefecture in January, and that this time we were able to practice shuttle diplomacy in Andong, the president’s hometown."
She went on to say, "The international community, including the situation in the Middle East, is going through a very difficult time. It is extremely important that, through the leadership of the president and myself, we steadily develop the positive foundation of Japan-South Korea relations and play a pivotal role in stabilizing the Indo-Pacific region." Takaichi added that the two sides should exchange views candidly for the benefit of Japan and South Korea, and for peace and stability in the region and the wider international community.
There was also progress on historical issues. Lee said, "DNA testing of the remains excavated from Japan’s Chosei Coal Mine will begin soon. Through close working-level consultations between our diplomatic authorities, we have agreed on the specific procedures and methods for the DNA analysis." He stressed that this would be "a small but very meaningful first step for the two countries to cooperate first on humanitarian issues related to history."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Seong Seok-woo, Seo Hye-jin Reporter