Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as Japan's new prime minister and expressed his anticipation of meeting her at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea next week. Lee conveyed his congratulations through a Facebook post mere hours after Takaichi's historic election as Japan's first female prime minister.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the importance of enhancing future-oriented and mutually beneficial cooperation between South Korea and Japan. He expressed his desire for ongoing communication and frequent meetings through shuttle diplomacy. Lee highlighted the crucial phase both nations are facing amidst changing global dynamics, noting that they are at a pivotal turning point.

Lee also mentioned his eagerness to meet Takaichi in Gyeongju, where the APEC summit will take place, to engage in constructive dialogue. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung informed reporters about the ongoing working-level consultations to facilitate Lee's first summit with Takaichi during the multilateral forum, indicating Seoul's expectation for the meeting to occur.

Takaichi's election introduces uncertainty in Seoul-Tokyo relations, as her approach to historical issues and territorial claims could impact the progress made by her predecessors. Known for her firm stance on Japan's colonial history with Korea and territorial claims on South Korea's Dokdo islets, Takaichi's policies will be closely watched by both nations.