Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has emphasized that cooperation between Japan and South Korea is "more important than ever" given the increasingly serious international situation, according to a group of South Korean lawmakers. This statement was made during a meeting on Friday with South Korean lawmakers from the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union and the parliamentary foreign affairs and unification committee during their visit to Japan.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Takaichi highlighted the significance of friendly cooperation between the two countries amidst escalating global challenges, including economic security concerns. The remarks were made ahead of her scheduled summit with President Lee Jae Myung in Japan on Tuesday, where discussions are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional and global issues.

During the Friday meeting, Takaichi also underscored the importance of maintaining "shuttle diplomacy," which involves reciprocal visits between the two nations, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States. Deputy Assembly Speaker Rep. Joo Ho-young, who leads the joint parliamentary group, emphasized the need to develop bilateral relations to transform opportunities into mutually beneficial outcomes.

In a gesture of goodwill, the group of South Korean lawmakers presented Takaichi with South Korean cosmetic products and dried seaweed, known as "gim."