President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi Hold First Meeting: "Importance of Korea-Japan Relations Growing" in Unison (Comprehensive) [Gyeongju APEC]

Korea-Japan Leaders Hold Summit in Gyeongju on October 30 During APEC
President Lee: "We Must Strengthen Future-Oriented Cooperation"
President Lee: "Prime Minister Takaichi Has Fulfilled All Her Dreams with Drums, Scuba Diving, and Motorcycles"...

Yonhap News Agency

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

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

In his opening remarks, President Lee told Prime Minister Takaichi, "Amid rapidly changing international dynamics and trade environments, Korea and Japan are neighboring countries with many similarities," adding, "I believe now is the time for Korea and Japan to strengthen future-oriented cooperation more than ever."

President Lee continued, "As you are well aware, our two countries also share many similarities domestically. By sharing 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 neighbors to each other," and emphasized, "Given the current strategic environment, the importance of Japan-Korea relations and trilateral cooperation with the United States is increasing." She also noted, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Japan and Korea, a significant milestone. I am confident that further developing our bilateral relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner, building on the foundation we have established, will benefit both countries." She added, "I hope that we can make good use of shuttle diplomacy and maintain smooth communication between us."

President Lee remarked, "Not only the people of Korea but also people across East Asia and the world are watching your future with great interest," referencing Prime Minister Takaichi's press conference last week. At that time, Prime Minister Takaichi had stated, "Korea is a very important neighbor to Japan, and the importance of Japan-Korea relations is growing. I hope to develop our relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner."

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

Yonhap News Agency

The subsequent closed-door meeting also proceeded in a friendly atmosphere, thanks to President Lee's sense of humor. According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yujeong, President Lee joked that Prime Minister Takaichi had already fulfilled all her dreams-drumming, scuba diving, and riding motorcycles-which drew laughter from those present.

Spokesperson Kang further explained, "President Lee emphasized the importance of Korea-Japan relations and the need for mutual reliance, noting that since the two countries are so close, like sharing a front yard, they sometimes emotionally hurt each other like family. Prime Minister Takaichi strongly agreed." In addition, President Lee mentioned that, according to the order of shuttle diplomacy, it was Korea's turn to visit Japan, and expressed his hope to meet in a regional city rather than in Tokyo. Prime Minister Takaichi replied that she looked forward to meeting soon.

Meanwhile, President Lee, considering Prime Minister Takaichi's preferences-she had mentioned at her inauguration press conference that she liked Korean seaweed and used Korean cosmetics-presented her with Korean cosmetics and seaweed as gifts. In return, Prime Minister Takaichi, aware of President Lee's fondness for the game of Go, gifted him a set of Go stones and a board made in Kamakura, a sister city of Lee's hometown, Andong.