Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced on Tuesday that during the Japan-South Korea summit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to closely coordinate their response to North Korea. This includes addressing nuclear missile issues and working towards North Korea’s complete denuclearization, in collaboration with the U.S.
Takaichi made these statements during a joint press conference with President Lee Jae Myung following their summit in Nara Prefecture, Japan.
The Prime Minister expressed sincere gratitude for President Lee’s strong support in resolving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.
Takaichi highlighted that President Lee is the first foreign leader to visit Japan since he took office as Prime Minister. He emphasized that this visit underscores their friendship and trust, which facilitated meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics during the summit.
The Prime Minister noted the increasingly challenging strategic environment surrounding both countries. He stressed the growing importance of Japan-South Korea relations and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. Takaichi confirmed their shared recognition of the strategic significance of Japan-South Korea relations and the necessity for both nations to collaborate in maintaining regional stability.
Acknowledging the importance of strategic cooperation, including security collaboration among Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., Takaichi emphasized that they had engaged in substantive discussions on this topic. He assured ongoing close communication between the nations.
Takaichi remarked that since last year marked the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations, President Lee has consistently emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship. He welcomed the continuation of shuttle diplomacy, which began shortly after his visit to Korea last October. The Prime Minister added that they agreed to maintain this practice and expressed his eagerness to visit Korea again.
Looking ahead, Takaichi stated that this year, under President Lee’s leadership and her own, they aim to significantly advance our bilateral relationship and vigorously promote cooperation among Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.
The Prime Minister also noted their shared understanding regarding balanced progress in bilateral relations. He mentioned significant advancements in specific cooperation agendas and their agreement to deepen discussions among relevant departments. This aims to promote strategic and mutually beneficial collaboration in economic security.
Takaichi shared that they had in-depth discussions on supply chains. She stated that cross-border organized fraud has become a joint concern for Japan and South Korea. They have agreed to draft a document to accelerate the cooperation in combating such organized criminal activities.
Regarding the remains discovered at the Josei coal mine, Takaichi welcomed the progress in coordinating DNA testing cooperation between Japan and South Korea. He noted that they had thorough discussions on this matter and reaffirmed their close ties within their strategic relationship.
