Ottawa: President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have resolved to strengthen trilateral cooperation with the United States to address ongoing geopolitical challenges, including tensions with North Korea. This decision was reached during their inaugural summit, held on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada, as reported by Lee's office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during the 30-minute meeting, the leaders exchanged views on maintaining regional peace and stability, emphasizing the need for closer cooperation between their countries. They agreed to enhance trilateral collaboration among South Korea, the United States, and Japan to tackle regional geopolitical issues, particularly the North Korean threat, and to deepen bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan.
In their discussions, Lee and Ishiba also recommitted to resuming shuttle diplomacy and advancing governmental dialogues. Lee emphasized the importance of fostering future-oriented cooperation between South Korea and Japan amid global trade challenges.
Lee described Japan as an "inseparable" partner, expressing optimism about advancing bilateral relations in a future-oriented manner. "As challenges in the international trade environment and global affairs continue to grow, I believe close and complementary partners like the Republic of Korea and Japan can greatly benefit from cooperating in many areas," Lee conveyed to Ishiba, as stated by Lee's office.
Both South Korea and Japan are significantly impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum. The two governments are currently negotiating to minimize the potential economic repercussions.
Ishiba underscored the importance of the bilateral relationship amid escalating geopolitical tensions, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He expressed hopes for enhanced cooperation at all levels, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Ahead of his trip, Lee delivered a video message at an event commemorating the anniversary, urging both nations to collaborate for a brighter future. Lee, who has committed to pragmatic diplomacy, is pivoting from his previously critical stance on Japan, aiming to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral ties that improved under the previous conservative administration.
He has pledged a "two-track" approach, promoting forward-looking cooperation while addressing historical issues separately, particularly those related to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.