Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to visit South Korea on May 19 for a two-day trip, as confirmed by Japan’s Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Masanao Ozaki. The visit aims to discuss energy security and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, particularly in light of disruptions in crude oil shipments due to the conflict in Iran.
During the visit, Takaichi is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Andong, Lee’s hometown, as part of a practice of leader-level reciprocal visits known as shuttle diplomacy. This follows Lee’s visit to Japan in January, where a summit was held in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara Prefecture.
Japan is looking to advance discussions with South Korea on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) following a recent security meeting between their defence and foreign vice ministers in Seoul. An ACSA is a pact that facilitates the sharing of logistics, supplies, and services between the United States and its allies during contingencies.
However, South Korea has stated that it is not currently considering signing a bilateral military logistics support agreement with Japan. A South Korean defence ministry official emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining stable and future-oriented defence exchanges and cooperation with Japan based on mutual respect and trust.
