Lee Jae-myung and Sanae Takaichi Agree to Tighten Energy and Security Ties... Expand Cooperation on LNG and Crude Oil [Korea-Japan Summit in Andong]

【The Financial News Seoul·Tokyo=Reporters Choi Jong-geun, Seong Seok-woo, and Seo Hye-jin】 President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit in Andong City, North Gyeongsang Province, Lee's hometown, on the 19th and agreed on the need to jointly respond to instability in supply chains and energy markets caused by the situation in the Middle East. At the summit, Lee said, "The international situation is being battered by storms. This is a time when cooperation and communication among friendly nations are needed more than ever." Takaichi also expressed agreement, saying, "The international community is going through a very difficult period, including the situation in the Middle East. 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 had engaged in 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 we make it a hot spring trip, or where should we go?"
■Lee: "Strengthen Korea-Japan cooperation on LNG and crude oil"
At a joint press briefing after the summit, Lee said, "Prime Minister Takaichi proposed that South Korea and Japan work closely together to deepen cooperation on resource supply chains with other Asian countries facing supply chain crises, and I expressed my agreement 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 agreed to further strengthen cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, which are key energy sources." He added, "Based on the LNG supply cooperation agreement signed in March, we will expand LNG cooperation between the two countries, while also deepening information sharing and communication channels related to crude oil supply and stockpiling."
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 Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation for peace and stability in the region." He added, "In that context, we viewed the recent elevation of the Korea-Japan Security Policy Consultative Meeting to the vice-ministerial level for the first time as a very meaningful step forward." Takaichi also said, "President Lee and I confirmed our intention to share information more closely and cooperate further to sustain and strengthen concrete trilateral cooperation, including in 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 emphasized that for genuine peace and stability in the region, it is important for South Korea, China, and Japan to respect one another, cooperate, and seek common interests." He added, "The two countries also held in-depth discussions on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. I explained our government's position of building a peaceful Korean Peninsula where the two Koreas coexist peacefully and grow together, without needing 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 continue to respond in close coordination." She added, "On the abduction issue, I would like to once again thank President Lee for expressing support for an immediate resolution."
■Lee: "South Korea and Japan are important partners"
At the summit, Lee stressed that South Korea and Japan are important partners, and Takaichi echoed that view. Lee said, "Through strong bilateral cooperation and by facing the difficulties of the international situation together, I am realizing just how important our 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 Navigation Security Initiative led by the United Kingdom and France, as well as various resolutions of the international community." He added, "We even gave up seats on our own planes for the safe return of citizens stranded in the Middle East."
There was also progress on historical issues. Lee said, "DNA testing of the remains excavated at Japan's Josei 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 testing." He emphasized, "This will be a small but highly meaningful first step for the two countries to cooperate first on humanitarian issues in addressing historical matters."
cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun, Seong Seok-woo, Seo Hye-jin Reporter