Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will work with President Lee Jae-myung to advance Japan-Korea relations and cooperate to play a role for regional stability.
On the 13th, Takaichi said in her opening remarks at the Japan-Korea summit held in the afternoon in Nara, Nara Prefecture, Japan, "As the first opportunity for shuttle diplomacy this year, I am able to welcome President Lee and the Korean delegation to my hometown, Nara."
She continued, "Just now, under a shared understanding of the strategic importance of Japan-Korea (Korea-Japan) relations, I spoke with President Lee," and added, "I am pleased that both sides showed the strength of Japan-Korea relations last year, the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties."
She added, "This year as well, taking President Lee's visit as an opportunity, I hope to make it a year to develop Japan-Korea relations to an even higher level."
President Lee visited Nara Prefecture for a one-night, two-day schedule and held a summit meeting. On the 14th, they are scheduled to visit Horyuji Temple together, and after events including a meeting with Korean residents, he will return home.
This summit is the fifth since President Lee took office, and the second Japan-Korea summit since former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned and Prime Minister Takaichi took office.