By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung held his first summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on October 30 and discussed ways to cooperate between the two countries.

The summit took place at 6:02 p.m. at the Hwabaek Convention Center in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, where the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Summit was being held.

This marked President Lee's third summit with Japan since taking office and his first face-to-face meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi since her inauguration.

President Lee stated, "I am truly delighted to meet you for the first time, and I attach particular significance to your appointment as the first female prime minister in Japanese history. I offer my sincere congratulations."

He added, "Not only the people of South Korea, but also people from all over the world, including East Asia, are closely watching the Prime Minister's future with great interest."

President Lee said, "At her inaugural press conference last week, the Prime Minister said, 'Korea is a very important neighbor to Japan, and the importance of the Korea-Japan relationship is growing even more now,' and 'I want to develop this relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner.' I not only completely agree with those words, but they are exactly what I usually say. Surprisingly, not a single word differs."

President Lee stated, "Amidst the rapidly changing international situation and trade environment, Korea and Japan are neighbors and countries with much in common. Now, more than ever, it is time for our two countries to strengthen future-oriented cooperation."

Prime Minister Takaichi said, "I am grateful for President Lee's warm welcome with such a warm smile. Although it may be a little late, I congratulate you on your inauguration as President in June of this year."

Prime Minister Takaichi described Korea-Japan relations as "mutually important neighbors," adding, "This year marks a significant milestone, the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea."

She continued, "Building on the foundation of the Japan-Korea relationship we have built so far, I am confident that developing our bilateral relationship in a future-oriented and stable manner will be beneficial for both countries." She added, "To this end, I hope to effectively utilize shuttle diplomacy and foster effective communication between me and the President."

President Lee Jae-myung also held summits with the leaders of Canada in the morning, and then New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia in the afternoon.