Korean and Japanese Leaders Meet Face-to-Face... President Lee: "Time to Strengthen Cooperation More Than Ever" [Gyeongju APEC]

Korea-Japan Summit Held in Gyeongju on the Sidelines of APEC on the 30th
President Lee: "We Must Strengthen Future-Oriented Cooperation"
Prime Minister Takaichi: "Trilateral Cooperation with the U.S. Is Important"

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee Jaemyung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a summit on the 30th, reaffirming their commitment to bilateral cooperation.

President Lee met Prime Minister Takaichi at 6:02 p.m. on the third floor of the HwaBaek Convention Center (HICO) in Gyeongju. This was the first meeting between the two leaders, taking place just nine days after Prime Minister Takaichi took office on the 21st.

President Lee stated to Prime Minister Takaichi, "Amidst rapidly changing international dynamics and trade environments, Korea and Japan are neighboring countries with many similarities. I believe now is the time for our two countries to strengthen future-oriented cooperation more than ever."

President Lee continued, "As you are well aware, our two countries share many domestic similarities. By sharing our experiences and working together, I believe we can effectively address not only domestic issues but also international challenges."

Prime Minister Takaichi responded, "Japan and Korea are important neighboring countries to each other. Under the current strategic environment, I believe the importance of Japan-Korea relations and trilateral cooperation among Japan, Korea, and the United States is increasing."

She added, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea, a significant milestone. I am confident that further developing our relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner, based on the foundation we have built, will benefit both countries."

She also expressed hope, saying, "I look forward to making good use of shuttle diplomacy and maintaining smooth communication between myself and the President."

Meanwhile, President Lee remarked, "Not only the people of Korea, but also people around the world, including East Asia, are watching your future with great interest," referring to Prime Minister Takaichi's press conference last week.

At that time, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "Korea is a very important neighbor to Japan, and the importance of Japan-Korea relations is growing. I want to further develop our relationship in a future-oriented and stable way."

President Lee commented on this, saying, "I not only fully agree, but it is exactly what I have always said myself. Amazingly, not a single word is different." Some officials in the meeting room were seen laughing at this remark.