Japan Highlights Growing Importance of Korea-Japan Relations Ahead of President Lee's Visit

Summit Officially Announced to Be Held in Nara Prefecture

President Lee Jae-myung (right) and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are taking a commemorative photo at the G20 Summit held in South Africa on November 23 last year. Photo by Yonhap News

The Japanese government has emphasized that "the importance of Korea-Japan relations and trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan has grown even further under the current strategic environment," ahead of President Lee Jae-myung's visit to Japan scheduled for January 13-14.

According to Japanese media outlets such as Jiji Press, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, the government spokesperson, made these remarks during a regular press briefing on January 9, officially announcing President Lee's visit to Nara Prefecture.

He added, "The two governments have agreed to maintain close communication, including the resumption of shuttle diplomacy, in order to develop Korea-Japan relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, and we expect this visit to be an important opportunity."

Regarding the agenda for the summit between President Lee and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Secretary Kihara stated, "I cannot answer with any assumptions at this point, but I expect the leaders to have an honest exchange of views," adding, "Through this, we hope to discuss the direction of intergovernmental cooperation and progress in bilateral relations."

Secretary Kihara also mentioned that following President Lee's visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Japan from January 15 to 17 for a summit meeting, during which the leaders are expected to have candid discussions on a wide range of topics, including strengthening bilateral relations, regional affairs, and international issues.

Explaining why Nara Prefecture was chosen as the venue for the summit, he noted that President Lee had made the suggestion during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju in October last year, and stated, "Accordingly, Prime Minister Takaichi decided to warmly welcome President Lee by holding the summit in Nara Prefecture."

Previously, after the Korea-Japan summit held on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in October last year, President Lee told reporters, "In line with the spirit of shuttle diplomacy, I should visit Japan next, and I suggested to Prime Minister Takaichi that we meet in Nara Prefecture if possible. She was very pleased with the idea."

Meanwhile, the presidential office announced that President Lee will arrive in Nara Prefecture on the afternoon of January 13 and will hold a summit and dinner with Prime Minister Takaichi, completing a two-day, one-night visit to Japan.