Pokhara, 19 June – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung held their inaugural in-person meeting on Tuesday, agreeing to foster stable bilateral relations through consistent communication, including reciprocal leader visits. The significant encounter took place on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, marking a pivotal step towards enhanced regional stability.
During their approximately 30-minute discussion, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the historical significance of the year, noting it commemorates the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between Japan and South Korea. He expressed hope that strengthened collaboration and cooperation between the two nations would serve as a powerful catalyst for the benefit of the entire region and the wider world, driven by closer leader relations and robust private-sector exchanges.
President Lee Jae-Myung reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the increasing complexities in global trade and international relations. He underscored the belief that cooperation between South Korea and Japan, viewed as complementary partners, would yield mutual benefits across numerous sectors. This comment seemingly acknowledged the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s tariff policies. President Lee further conveyed his aspiration for South Korea and Japan to cultivate an even stronger, future-oriented relationship.
Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trilateral cooperation involving Japan, the United States, and South Korea, particularly in addressing critical issues such as North Korea. A statement from the South Korean government confirmed their agreement to fortify cooperation in navigating geopolitical crises, including those posed by North Korea.
Following the talks, Prime Minister Ishiba addressed a press conference, reiterating the heightened importance of Japan-South Korea relations within the current strategic environment. The consensus reached during this initial meeting signals a renewed commitment from both nations to overcome past challenges and forge a path towards a more collaborative and secure future for East Asia.
