President Lee: "Korea and Japan Share an Inseparable Relationship Like Neighbors Sharing a Front Yard"
Prime Minister Ishiba: "With the International Situation Severe... Korea-Japan Cooperation Should Benefit the World"
President Lee Jaemyung, who is visiting Canada to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit, held his first summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on June 17 (local time) in Kananaskis. During the meeting, the two leaders focused on discussing ways to advance bilateral relations between their countries.
In his opening remarks, President Lee said, "The relationship between Japan and Korea is often described as close yet distant neighbors. It is an inseparable relationship, much like neighbors who share a front yard. Although there are small differences and differing opinions, I hope that Korea and Japan can overcome these differences and develop a relationship where we cooperate and benefit each other in many areas."
President Lee further emphasized, "As the challenges in the international trade environment and international relations are intensifying, and since we are in a close and complementary relationship, cooperating in many areas will be of great help to both sides." He added, "I hope that today will serve as an opportunity for Korea and Japan to move toward a better relationship."
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba said, "I see you on Japanese TV every day, so it doesn't feel like this is our first meeting," and began by noting, "This year marks the very significant 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations." He continued, "I heard that a 60th anniversary reception was recently held in Seoul, and that a great many people attended. Although I understand you could not attend because of your participation in this international summit, I was told that you sent a truly heartwarming message."
Prime Minister Ishiba also stated, "As was discussed at today's G7 summit, I recognize that the international situation is becoming extremely severe. This is true in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and in Asia. I recognize that there are both common and diverse elements in what is happening in these regions."
He added, "I sincerely hope that, marking the 60th anniversary, exchanges between you and me, between our governments, between our businesses, and also between our peoples, will become even more active, and that cooperation and collaboration between our two countries will become even more beneficial for this region and for the world."
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