Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung met with Ryota Takeda, a Japanese lawmaker and chair of the South Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' union, to discuss enhancing bilateral ties between South Korea and Japan. The meeting took place at Cheong Wa Dae, where both leaders underscored the significance of cooperation given the current complexities in international relations.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee expressed his desire for the two nations to improve their relationship, highlighting that closer ties would be advantageous for both countries. He emphasized the importance of exchanges, not only among citizens and leaders but also between the parliaments of South Korea and Japan.

Ryota Takeda spoke about the successful "shuttle diplomacy" that facilitated reciprocal visits between President Lee and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, suggesting it as a new model for diplomatic engagements. Takeda also referenced a Japanese news report indicating a rise in mutual trust between the two nations to over 70 percent, advocating for continued efforts to maintain this positive trend.

Furthermore, Takeda pointed out the geopolitical challenges faced by both South Korea and Japan, surrounded by nuclear-armed states, and stressed the need for cooperation among middle powers to contribute to global stability during uncertain times.