Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung stated on Monday that South Korea and Japan are essential partners with shared values and numerous opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's comments were made during an interview with Japan's public broadcaster NHK, prior to his visit to Nara Prefecture for summit discussions with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lee emphasized the mutual importance of South Korea and Japan, highlighting their shared values and potential for complementing each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Lee, in his remarks, pointed out the potential for both competition and collaboration between the two nations, expressing hope for continued identification of cooperative fields. This visit marks Lee's fifth summit with a Japanese prime minister since his inauguration last June, having previously engaged in three rounds of talks with former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and a summit with Takaichi in October at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Gyeongju.

As part of the reciprocal leader-level visits known as "shuttle diplomacy," Lee will visit Nara, Takaichi's hometown, to maintain the recent positive momentum in bilateral relations. This meeting follows Lee's state visit to China for talks with President Xi Jinping, amidst rising tensions between Beijing and Tokyo due to Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

The forthcoming discussions are anticipated to address regional and global matters, including issues related to North Korea, as well as economic, social, and cultural cooperation, according to Cheong Wa Dae.