Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of developing mutually beneficial relations between South Korea and Japan through improved bilateral ties during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee described South Korea and Japan as neighbors sharing a front yard and highlighted the need to identify and expand areas of cooperation to foster a mutually beneficial relationship. The meeting with Aso followed Lee's recent visit to Japan, where he engaged in talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation amidst ongoing tensions between Beijing and Tokyo.

The discussions with Prime Minister Takaichi took place in her hometown of Nara, marking President Lee's second visit to Japan and his fifth summit with a Japanese leader since assuming office in June last year. This was their second summit, following an initial meeting in South Korea's Gyeongju in late October. During their talks, both leaders agreed to pursue "future-oriented cooperation" through reciprocal leader-level visits, a strategy referred to as "shuttle diplomacy."

President Lee remarked that his subsequent meeting with Aso, following the summit discussions, is creating a perception among Koreans that the Seoul-Tokyo relationship could experience a significant boost. Aso also commented on the significance of the second summit within a short span, noting the changing international context surrounding both nations and the mutual benefits of close cooperation.