First Summit Held at G7 Meeting
Cooperation on Geopolitical Crises Including North Korea
President Lee Jaemyung, who is attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, held his first summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 17th (local time). During the meeting, President Lee stated, "Although there are minor differences in opinion, I hope that Korea and Japan will overcome these differences and develop a relationship in which both countries cooperate and benefit each other in many ways."
President Lee said, "The relationship between Korea and Japan is often described as 'close yet distant neighbors,'" adding, "It is a relationship that is inseparable, like neighbors sharing the same front yard." This Korea-Japan summit took place just 14 days after President Lee's inauguration, which is earlier compared to previous administrations. National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak and Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yoojeong attended the meeting on the Korean side.
During the 30-minute summit, the leaders of Korea and Japan expressed shared concerns about the deteriorating international situation. They agreed to continue and strengthen trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan, particularly in responding to various geopolitical crises including the North Korean issue. They also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation between Korea and Japan. Notably, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resuming 'shuttle diplomacy,' as discussed on June 9. President Lee emphasized, "As challenges in the international trade environment and global relations intensify, and given our close and complementary relationship, cooperation in many areas will greatly benefit both countries."
In response, Prime Minister Ishiba remarked, "Since I see you on Japanese TV every day, it doesn't feel like we are meeting for the first time." He continued, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, making it a truly significant milestone." Prime Minister Ishiba also said, "As discussed at today's G7 summit, I recognize that the international situation is becoming extremely serious." He added, "I sincerely hope that exchanges will be further revitalized this year, not only between our governments and businesses but also among our citizens, taking the 60th anniversary as an opportunity."
National Security Advisor Wi explained the outcome of the summit, saying, "This was my first meeting with Prime Minister Ishiba, following our phone call last week. It was also the first Korea-Japan summit since President Lee's inauguration." He added, "As this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in all areas, including industrial supply chains and cultural and human exchanges."
Advisor Wi further stated, "Both sides agreed on the importance of cooperation amid rapidly changing international circumstances." He continued, "The leaders also shared their perspectives on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed that the next 60 years should be dedicated to building a future-oriented relationship."
The fact that the Korea-Japan summit was held earlier in the new administration compared to previous governments is noteworthy. Former President Yoon Sukyeol met then-Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a multilateral dinner during the NATO summit on June 2022, the day after his inauguration. However, a formal summit was not held until September 2022, four months after his inauguration, in New York. In the case of former President Park Geunhye, she first met then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a Korea-U.S.-Japan summit in March 2014, more than a year after her inauguration, and a bilateral summit did not take place until November 2015.
An official from the presidential office commented, "With the launch of a new administration, there may be various questions and interests regarding the direction of Japan policy and the future of Korea-Japan relations. However, since the leaders' phone call proceeded smoothly and today's summit was held in a friendly atmosphere, a clear signal has been sent that Korea-Japan relations are still moving toward cooperation." The official added, "The two leaders engaged in candid discussions and expressed positive views regarding mutual visits."
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