South Korean President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the importance of seeking mutually beneficial relations with Japan during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso. Lee expressed the need for both countries to identify areas of cooperation to foster a mutually advantageous partnership. This discussion took place as part of Lee’s visit to Japan to enhance bilateral cooperation amid regional tensions.
Lee’s visit included talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in her hometown of Nara, marking his second trip to Japan and fifth summit with a Japanese prime minister since assuming office. The leaders agreed on enhancing future-oriented cooperation through reciprocal leader-level visits, known as “shuttle diplomacy.” They also discussed the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the importance of trilateral cooperation with Beijing.
Sensitive topics, such as South Korea’s desire to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership led by Japan, were addressed. Both countries also agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains of Korean forced laborers found in Japan. Lee and Takaichi also engaged in cultural exchanges, including a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site influenced by Korea’s ancient Baekje kingdom.
