Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, second from left, talks with Lee Jae Myung, president of South Korea, second from right, in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Oct. 30. Seated at the far left is Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi. (Pool)

GYEONGJU, South Korea—Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged to build a future-oriented and stable relationship with South Korea and continue shuttle diplomacy visits in her first bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung here on Oct. 30. 

The two leaders also confirmed the importance of cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea.

They also vowed to closely communicate with each other through regular reciprocal visits.

The meeting lasted about 45 minutes.

At the beginning, Takaichi said, “Japan and South Korea are important neighbors to each other.”

She emphasized the importance of cooperation, saying, “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Building on the foundation of Japan-South Korea relations already established and developing the relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner will benefit both nations.”

Meanwhile, Lee echoed Takaichi’s sentiments.

“We want to develop relations between the two countries in a future-oriented and stable manner,” he said, adding, “I fully share this view,” signaling his intention to continue fostering positive bilateral ties.

Lee also pointed out that the two countries share the same issues including the rapidly changing global situation and trade environment, and emphasized the importance of sharing experiences to collaborate with each other.

According to the Office of the President of South Korea, both leaders didn’t directly touch on sensitive historical issues, which have hampered the bilateral relationship in recent years.

Although Takaichi is known for her hard-line conservative stance, she intends to prioritize security cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea, and to maintain the positive relations forged by her predecessors, former Prime Ministers Fumio Kishida and Shigeru Ishiba.

Meanwhile, Lee, who advocates “practical diplomacy” focused on national interests, also intends to maintain the focus on improving bilateral relations, as demonstrated by his three meetings with Ishiba since taking office in June.

(This article was written by Keishi Nishimura and Daisuke Shimizu, a correspondent.)

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