President Lee to Hold Summit with Japanese Prime Minister in Her Hometown on Jan. 13-14... Discussions on Historical Issues and the Korean Peninsula

Discussing Ways to Strengthen Cooperation in Economic, Social, and Cultural Spheres in Nara Prefecture
Five Meetings Scheduled During the Two-Day Visit
Tour of Horyuji, a Renowned Cultural Heritage Site

President Lee Jaemyung will visit Nara Prefecture in Japan for a two-day, one-night trip from January 13 to 14 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. This visit marks President Lee’s second trip to Japan since taking office and his first since the inauguration of the Takaichi Cabinet.

On January 9, National Security Advisor Wi Sunglak held a briefing at the Chunchugwan of the Blue House, stating, "Less than three months after Prime Minister Takaichi took office, and following last year’s summit in Gyeongju, this time the meeting will be held in Nara Prefecture, Japan. With the two leaders meeting three times, including this visit, it signifies the early realization of reciprocal visits and the continuation of shuttle diplomacy."

Yonhap News Agency

According to the Blue House, President Lee will arrive in Nara on the afternoon of January 13 and attend a summit meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi. The summit will proceed in the following order: a private meeting with only a few key officials present, an expanded meeting, a joint press announcement, a one-on-one conversation, and a dinner. During these meetings, President Lee plans to discuss ways to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields directly related to the livelihoods of the people, including regional and global issues, as well as economic, social, and cultural matters.

Regarding the selection of Nara Prefecture as the destination, Blue House spokesperson Kang Yujeong appeared on the YouTube channel "Kim Eo-jun's News Factory" and said, "Last time, former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also visited Busan. The focus is not only on shuttle diplomacy between Seoul and Tokyo, but also on revitalizing local economies and local governments."

On the morning of January 14, President Lee will participate in a friendship event with Prime Minister Takaichi, then attend a meeting with Korean residents in the afternoon before returning home. Advisor Wi stated, "On the morning of the 14th, the two leaders will visit Horyuji, a representative local cultural heritage site, as part of their friendship schedule. Afterward, President Lee will meet with Korean residents in Osaka and the Kansai region before returning to Korea." Horyuji is the head temple of the Shotoku sect in Japan and is renowned for having the oldest surviving wooden structures in existence.

Advisor Wi highlighted the strengthening of ties and trust between the leaders of both countries through shuttle diplomacy as a key achievement of this visit. Although the trip is short, lasting only two days and one night, the two leaders are expected to engage in five separate discussions, allowing for candid dialogue on issues between Korea and Japan.

Advisor Wi further stated, "Following the last summit in Gyeongju, an ancient city with a thousand-year history, the upcoming summit in Nara Prefecture is significant as it symbolizes the long-standing exchange and cooperation between Korea and Japan, which dates back about 1,500 years. As Nara is Prime Minister Takaichi’s hometown, this visit is expected to deepen the personal bond between the leaders and solidify consensus on future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations."

He also expressed hopes for strengthening practical cooperation between the two countries and enhancing humanitarian cooperation on historical issues. Advisor Wi explained, "This summit will broadly discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in areas directly related to the livelihoods of both peoples, including the protection of intellectual property, future fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), responses to transnational crimes like scams, social issues, and people-to-people exchanges. We also hope to use this opportunity to promote humanitarian cooperation between Korea and Japan on historical issues such as the case of the Chosei coal mine."

There are also expectations for expanding cooperation on regional and global issues, including those related to the Korean Peninsula. Advisor Wi said, "Japan is an important partner for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Amid rapidly changing international dynamics, we expect that close communication between the two leaders on regional and global issues will further deepen cooperation between the two countries."