Andong: President Lee Jae Myung is set to hold a bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in his hometown of Andong, focusing on a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including North Korea and the prolonged U.S.-Iran war in the Middle East. Takaichi's visit marks a continuation of the "shuttle diplomacy" between the two nations, following Lee's visit to Nara Prefecture earlier this year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Takaichi is scheduled to arrive in Andong for a two-day trip, reciprocating Lee's visit to her hometown of Nara Prefecture in January. This summit will be their third in-person meeting, following their initial encounter at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju. Upon arrival at Daegu International Airport, Takaichi will be received by South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina and escorted by honor guards in traditional attire to the hotel for the summit talks.
The summit will commence with a small-group meeting between Lee and Takaichi, followed by an expanded session, culminating in a joint press announcement. Key agenda items are expected to include bilateral cooperation on the Middle East conflict, security in Northeast Asia, and addressing disruptions in global supply chains.
Following the summit, a banquet dinner featuring local specialties such as Andong jjimdak and traditional liquors from both Andong and Nara Prefecture will be served. The dinner will also feature desserts from South Korea and Japan, accompanied by a performance by a Korean Japanese pianist. Additionally, Lee and Takaichi will attend a Pansori performance at Hahoe Folk Village, enhancing cultural ties between the two nations.
President Lee has prepared a package of gifts for Takaichi, highlighting the cultural significance of Andong and the importance of South Korea-Japan relations. The gifts, which include traditional wooden masks, a framed painting of a white moon jar, and items such as red ginseng and leather bags, symbolize Seoul's hope for the continued development of bilateral friendship and cooperation.