Sanae Takaichi, Lee Jae Myung meet to push for closer security and economic ties at high-stakes summit

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Japan on Tuesday, reaffirming the strategic importance of bilateral ties between their countries.

The Takaichi-Lee meeting is widely observed as a strategic step by both leaders to cement a personal relationship through shuttle diplomacy and bring the neighbours closer during a period of global turmoil.

The summit marks Lee's third time with Takaichi following the previous agreements with former Minister Sheigeru Ishiba. Both leaders expressed a desire to look toward the future and move past long-standing deadlocks between the two countries.

Addressing the partnership, President Lee stated: “Within an increasingly complex and rapidly changing international order, we must strive for progress towards a better future.”

According to Reuters, the summit in Nara-Takaichi’s home prefecture-comes just one week after Lee met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighting South Korea’s pragmatic balancing act in the region.

While referring to the last year’s 60th anniversary of foreign relations, Lee drew attention to the relevance of the Nara meeting and the need to work for improved relationships over the next 60 years.

He said, “By focusing on and nurturing the positive aspects of our relationship while carefully managing and minimizing the inconveniences and negative elements, we can join hands and build a better future.”

In an interview with NHK ahead of his trip to Nara, Lee underlined similarities between Takaichi and himself and recounted previous journeys to Japan, noting the need to be cautious while still striking a remarkably positive tone.

He was quoted as saying, “Japan and South Korea share a special relationship.”

“We influence each other and benefit from each other. We should look to the future.” he further added.

The Nara summit was seen as a crucial effort to stabilize ties amidst a deepening diplomatic row between Tokyo and Beijing.

President Lee, who is currently on a two-days in Japan, stated earlier that while the impasse is not desirable for regional peace, South Korea would not interfere in the ongoing dispute.

Additionally, Takaichi said, “In the current complex and fast-changing international order, cooperation between South Korea and Japan is more important than ever.”