Ottawa: President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held their first summit on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada. This meeting was significant as it marked the first in-person interaction between the leaders since President Lee assumed office on June 4. The presidential office confirmed the meeting took place on Tuesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the two leaders had previously committed to enhancing bilateral relations through a phone call shortly after Lee's inauguration. This summit serves as a continuation of their efforts to strengthen ties between South Korea and Japan.

In preparation for his visit, President Lee addressed an event via video message to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. During this message, he emphasized the importance of collaboration for a better future between the two nations.

President Lee has indicated a shift in his approach towards Japan, moving away from a previously critical stance. His administration aims to maintain the positive trajectory of bilateral relations fostered by the preceding conservative government. Lee's "two-track" strategy focuses on fostering cooperative relations while separately addressing historical issues, particularly those related to Japan's colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.