President Lee Holds Summit with Prime Minister Takaichi... Arrives at Kansai Airport in Japan

Korea-Japan Summit Scheduled for the Afternoon of the 13th
Joint Press Announcement Planned
Focus on Historical Issues and CPTPP Agenda
Visit to Horyu-ji and Meeting with Korean Residents on the 14th Before Returning Home

On January 13, President Lee Jaemyung arrived in Nara Prefecture to hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking the first Korea-Japan “shuttle diplomacy” of the year. Nara Prefecture, which President Lee is visiting for a two-day, one-night schedule, is Prime Minister Takaichi’s hometown.

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee arrived at Kansai Airport in the morning. This is the fifth meeting between the leaders of Korea and Japan since President Lee took office. It is also the second summit with Prime Minister Takaichi, following their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.

In the afternoon, President Lee plans to hold a one-on-one meeting and an expanded meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi, followed by a joint press announcement. After the summit, there will be a one-on-one conversation and a dinner.

This summit is expected to include broad discussions on strengthening cooperation in areas directly affecting the livelihoods of both countries’ citizens, such as intellectual property (IP) protection, future industries including artificial intelligence (AI), responses to transnational crimes such as scams, social issues, and people-to-people exchanges. The leaders are also expected to discuss deepening bilateral cooperation as important partners for regional peace, stability, and prosperity amid rapidly changing global dynamics.

Particular attention is being paid to whether the long-standing historical issues between Korea and Japan will be discussed. The presidential office aims to strengthen humanitarian cooperation regarding historical issues, planning to create opportunities for Korea and Japan to work together on humanitarian aspects in cases such as the Josei coal mine.

The issue of Korea’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which is related to the Fukushima seafood issue, may also be on the agenda. The CPTPP is a multilateral free trade agreement (FTA) launched in 2018 by countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Twelve countries, including Japan, Canada, and Australia, are participating, and Korea is also seeking to join.

Yonhap News Agency

In an interview with NHK released on January 12, President Lee said, “Given the current situation, it will be difficult in the short term because we need to resolve the emotional and trust issues of the Korean people,” adding, “In order to gain cooperation for joining the CPTPP, the issue of importing seafood from Fukushima is also an important agenda item.”

On the last day of his visit to Japan, January 14, President Lee will meet Prime Minister Takaichi again at Horyu-ji Temple. Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to highlight the history of Korea-Japan exchanges prior to historical disputes by visiting Horyu-ji together, which is the world’s oldest wooden structure and was influenced by Baekje architectural techniques. Japanese media reported that final arrangements are being made for Prime Minister Takaichi to personally guide President Lee. Afterward, President Lee plans to meet with Korean residents in the Kansai region before returning home.