Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as Japan's new prime minister and said he hopes to meet her at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in South Korea next week.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee posted the congratulatory message on Facebook hours after Takaichi was elected as Japan's first female prime minister. He expressed his desire to work with Takaichi to enhance future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation between the two nations and their people. Lee emphasized the importance of frequent meetings and close communication between the leaders, based on shuttle diplomacy.

Lee highlighted the growing importance of Seoul-Tokyo relations amid global changes, noting that the two countries stand "at a critical turning point." He expressed his anticipation of meeting Takaichi in Gyeongju for the APEC summit and engaging in constructive dialogue in person.

Regarding Takaichi's potential visit to South Korea for the APEC summit and her first summit with Lee, working-level consultations are ongoing. Kang indicated that Seoul expects such a meeting to occur. Takaichi's election introduces uncertainty to Seoul-Tokyo relations, as it is uncertain whether she will continue the approaches of her predecessors, which have led to improved ties between the neighbors.

Takaichi, who previously served as an economic security minister, is recognized for her firm stance on historical issues related to Japan's colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula and Japan's territorial claim to South Korea's Dokdo islets.