Japanese Government Official Cited...
"Phone Conversation Received Positively in Both Countries"
Kyodo News reported on June 12, citing Japanese government officials, that the governments of South Korea and Japan have begun coordinating plans for the first in-person summit between President Lee Jaemyung and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru. The meeting is expected to take place in Canada from June 15 to 17, during the G7 summit.
The Japanese government plans to use this summit to build trust for security cooperation, including responding to North Korea.
A diplomatic source stated, "The phone conversation between the two leaders was positively received in both countries," and added, "We hope to further develop the relationship through an early in-person summit."
Kang Yujeong, spokesperson for the presidential office, said in a briefing following the leaders' phone call, "The two leaders agreed to build a stronger and more mature South Korea-Japan relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and a responsible attitude."
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stated, "The leaders of both countries agreed on the importance of South Korea-Japan relations and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, especially given the increasingly severe strategic environment," and added, "They shared expectations for an opportunity to meet in person at an early date."
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