President Lee Meets Former Prime Minister Aso: "Public Hopes for Improved Korea-Japan Relations"

Lee: "Identify Maximum Areas of Cooperation for a Mutually Beneficial Relationship"
Former Prime Minister Aso: "We Must Prepare for Moves by China, Russia, and North Korea"

President Lee Jae-myung is greeting former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso ahead of their meeting at the Blue House on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung met with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso at the main building of the Blue House on the 16th. President Lee mentioned that the meeting took place immediately after his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and expressed his welcome by saying, "Our people are hoping that Korea-Japan relations will take another step forward this quickly."

President Lee also stated, "As I have repeatedly said, Japan and Korea are like neighbors sharing a front yard," adding, "I believe it is desirable to identify as many areas of cooperation as possible and develop a mutually beneficial relationship." He emphasized, "I also believe that exchanges between politicians and lawmakers, like those with Prime Minister Aso, are truly important."

Former Prime Minister Aso responded by saying, "I heard the Korea-Japan summit held in your country was extremely productive," and added, "I believe it will have many positive effects and serve as a great opportunity to improve relations between Japan and Korea."

He continued, "Close cooperation is in the interests and national interests of both Japan and Korea," and urged, "We must be prepared for the actions of countries close to Japan or Korea, such as Russia, China, and North Korea." He further mentioned, "In that sense, the active discussions currently taking place between the leaders of our countries are beneficial to both Japan and Korea."