The presidential office said on the 17th that ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Korea on the 19th, it plans to welcome her with courtesies equivalent to a state visit.
Kang Yu-jung, senior presidential spokesperson, said, "This visit by Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to serve as an opportunity to further deepen trust and friendship between the two leaders in that it is a return visit for President Lee's trip in January to Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's hometown."
The leaders' meeting will be the third, following the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju in October last year and President Lee's visit to Nara Prefecture in January.
Attention is also on Prime Minister Takaichi's plan to visit Andong, President Lee's hometown. Kang, the senior spokesperson, said, "Prime Minister Takaichi will arrive at Daegu Airport on the afternoon of the 19th, be greeted by Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jin-a and others, and then move to the hotel where the summit is scheduled."
Kang, the senior spokesperson, added, "President Lee will personally greet Prime Minister Takaichi at the hotel entrance," and "a traditional honor guard and military band will escort the motorcade, welcoming Prime Minister Takaichi with courtesies equivalent to a state visit."
After the summit, the two leaders plan to hold a joint press announcement and continue with social events.