Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering holding a summit in Andong, North Gyeongsang, on the 19th as part of Korea-Japan shuttle diplomacy.
On the 9th, local outlets including Kyodo News said Takaichi plans to visit Korea on the 19th for a one-night, two-day trip and is expected to discuss with President Lee Jae-myung economic security cooperation measures such as energy supply plans in response to instability in the Middle East and strengthening the critical mineral supply chain.
President Lee and Takaichi have met twice before, and if this meeting takes place, it will be the third. The two first met at the APEC meeting in Gyeongju in October last year, and in January this year, President Lee visited Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's hometown.
Japanese media predicted the meeting will cover Northeast Asia developments, including supply chain issues stemming from a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and North Korea's nuclear and missile issues. In addition, in response to the United States' calls for allies to share defense burdens, strengthening security cooperation between Korea and Japan also appears likely to be a main agenda item.