President Lee: "Korea and Japan Have Been Great Strength to Each Other... Beginning a New 60 Years"

Summit Held in Nara, Prime Minister Takaichi's Hometown
"60 Years Since Normalization of Diplomatic Ties... We Must Firmly Hold Hands and Create a Better Future"
Takaichi: "We Will Cooperate for Regional Stability and Fulfill Our Role"

On January 13, President Lee Jaemyung held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara Prefecture, Japan. President Lee stated, "Since the end of the war, Korea and Japan have both achieved remarkable growth and development. In that process, Korea has been a great strength to Japan, and Japan has been a great strength to Korea." He added, "I believe that if we firmly join hands and move forward together, we can surely create a better future."

Yonhap News Agency

President Lee further emphasized the need for Korea-Japan cooperation, saying, "Prime Minister, if you and I join hands, and the people of Japan and Korea work together, I hope we can walk together toward a new future for both countries."

He also noted the significance of continuing shuttle diplomacy in Nara, the hometown of Prime Minister Takaichi. President Lee said, "It is truly meaningful to meet you here in your hometown," and added, "Nara Prefecture and the Nara region seem to have been the center of cultural exchange between the ancient Korean Peninsula and Japan." He went on to say, "Now is a more important time than ever for exchange and cooperation between Korea and Japan."

President Lee also remarked, "Although there were painful experiences in the past, it has now been sixty years since the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, and as we begin a new sixty years, today's summit holds special significance."

In addition, President Lee acknowledged the practical challenges surrounding Korea-Japan relations, stating, "The situation is complex, difficult, and there are inconvenient aspects, but there are always comfortable and positive aspects as well." He continued, "Let us discover and nurture the positive aspects, and manage and minimize the inconvenient or negative ones."

Yonhap News Agency

Earlier, in a small-group meeting, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "President Lee and I were able to have in-depth discussions based on our shared understanding of the strategic importance of Korea-Japan relations." She added, "As we advance Korea-Japan relations, I am once again reminded that both countries must work together and fulfill our roles for regional stability."

She continued, "I am very pleased that both sides were able to continuously demonstrate the strength of Korea-Japan relations last year, which marked the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties. This year, starting with President Lee's visit to Japan, I hope we can further elevate Korea-Japan relations to a higher level."

Earlier that day, President Lee arrived at Kansai International Airport in the morning and immediately traveled to Nara Prefecture, the hometown of Prime Minister Takaichi. Prime Minister Takaichi personally welcomed President Lee in front of his local accommodation, offering him a warm reception. The presidential office explained, "Originally, the hotel staff was scheduled to greet President Lee, but the protocol was elevated with the Prime Minister's personal welcome."

On this day, President Lee began with a small-group summit between the leaders of Korea and Japan, followed by an expanded summit and a joint press announcement. This summit marks the fifth between the two leaders since President Lee took office, and the second Korea-Japan summit since Prime Minister Takaichi assumed office following the resignation of former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.