South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will visit Japan on 13 and 14 January for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the presidential office announced on Friday. The meeting, to be held in Nara City, will mark the first official visit by Lee since taking office and is aimed at improving relations between the two neighbours.
According to the presidential statement, Lee and Takaichi will meet on 13 January for formal talks, followed by a dinner. They are expected to discuss a wide range of topics, including regional security, global economic challenges and cooperative measures on social issues.
Focus on Future-Oriented Cooperation
The summit seeks to reinforce a shared goal of fostering future-oriented and stable relations between South Korea and Japan. Both governments have recently signalled an interest in deepening cooperation after years of strained ties over trade and historical disputes.
In addition to the formal summit, Lee and Takaichi will attend diplomatic events together during the visit. Lee will also hold a separate meeting with South Korean residents living in Japan to strengthen community engagement and emphasise bilateral people-to-people ties, the statement said.
Regional Topics on the Agenda
Lee’s security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, said during a briefing that the leaders may also address several pressing regional issues. These include ongoing tensions between China and Japan, and discussions on the possible participation of North Korean athletes in the Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan this September.
The visit is expected to highlight the two countries’ commitment to dialogue and cooperation amid shifting regional dynamics. Observers view the meeting as a key step towards reinforcing diplomatic stability in Northeast Asia, while advancing economic and security partnerships between Seoul and Tokyo.
with inputs from Reuters
