President Lee: Japan-Korea Cooperation More Crucial Than Ever; Takaichi: Develop Future-Oriented Ties
President Lee: Japan-Korea Cooperation More Crucial Than Ever; Takaichi: Develop Future-Oriented Ties
President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Gyeongju on October 30, 2025, to discuss ways to advance bilateral relations. The meeting, held just nine days after Takaichi's inauguration, took place at the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center for 41 minutes. During the meeting, President Lee emphasized that cooperation between South Korea and Japan is more critical than ever and urged efforts to develop a future-oriented relationship. He stressed that the two countries must work closely together to address common challenges and promote regional peace and prosperity. He particularly proposed expanding practical cooperation in various fields such as economy, security, and culture, stating that this should contribute to improving the lives of citizens in both countries. Furthermore, President Lee emphasized the importance of joint responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and proposed further strengthening cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. He also added that both countries should cooperate on transnational issues such as climate change and pandemics, contributing to the collective efforts of the international community.
Prime Minister Takaichi responded by agreeing that developing a future-oriented and stable relationship between Japan and South Korea would benefit both countries. She emphasized the importance of facing the past while moving towards the future, stating that constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two countries should enhance mutual understanding and build trust. Prime Minister Takaichi particularly emphasized expanding cooperation in the economic field, stating that investment and exchange between companies in both countries should be promoted and new growth engines should be created together. She also added that it is important to enhance mutual understanding between the people of both countries through cultural exchange and to build friendly relations between future generations. In the area of security, she stressed the need for joint responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and proposed further strengthening cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Furthermore, she stated that both countries should seek ways to cooperate for regional stability and work together to contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.
President Lee Jae-myung proposed a visit to Japan as part of a shuttle diplomacy initiative, and Prime Minister Takaichi responded by expressing a positive intention, saying, "I hope to see you soon." Shuttle diplomacy, where the leaders of both countries visit each other and hold regular talks, is expected to play an important role in promoting the development of bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation. President Lee's proposal for a visit to Japan at this meeting is seen as demonstrating his will to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries and enhance future-oriented cooperation. Prime Minister Takaichi's positive response is also raising expectations for the development of bilateral relations. If shuttle diplomacy is resumed, the leaders of both countries are expected to hold in-depth discussions on various issues, enhance mutual understanding, and seek ways to cooperate. Through this, bilateral relations are expected to develop further and contribute to regional peace and prosperity.
It was reported that there was no direct mention of historical issues at this meeting. President Lee Jae-myung stated, "If there are problems and challenges, we must solve the problems as they are and address the challenges as they are," expressing his intention to promote future-oriented cooperation separately from historical issues. This is interpreted as meaning that while moving towards the future without being bound by the past, efforts to resolve historical issues will also be carried out in parallel. Prime Minister Takaichi has also stated that she should face the past while moving towards the future, so it is expected that the two countries will work to bridge the gap in their positions on historical issues while working to develop a future-oriented relationship. Historical issues are still a sensitive issue in bilateral relations, but if the leaders of both countries continue to make efforts to resolve historical issues while strengthening future-oriented cooperation, bilateral relations can be expected to develop further.
Meanwhile, President Lee Jae-myung presented Prime Minister Takaichi with Korean cosmetics and seaweed as gifts, and Prime Minister Takaichi presented President Lee with Go stones and a Go bowl, solidifying their friendship. The exchange of gifts is seen as contributing to increasing the intimacy between leaders and creating a friendly atmosphere. The Korean cosmetics and seaweed presented by President Lee are representative Korean products and are expected to help promote Korean culture. The Go stones and Go bowl presented by Prime Minister Takaichi symbolize Japanese traditional culture and art and are expected to contribute to introducing Japanese culture. Such exchanges of gifts are expected to promote cultural exchange between the two countries and enhance mutual understanding. In addition, through the meaning contained in the gifts, the leaders of both countries can express their respect and consideration for each other and further strengthen their friendly relationship.
