Ottawa: President Lee Jae Myung told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that the two nations should foster a future-oriented cooperation amid challenges in global trade as they held their first summit on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada, Lee's office said. During the summit, Lee called Japan an "inseparable" nation that shares the same front yard with South Korea, expressing hopes the two nations can advance their bilateral ties in a future-oriented manner.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the mutual benefits of cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Japan amid the growing challenges in the international trade environment and global affairs. Both countries, major exporters, are significantly impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs on vehicles, auto parts, steel, and aluminum, as well as country-specific tariffs. Consequently, both governments are actively engaged in negotiations to mitigate potential economic repercussions.

Ishiba highlighted the importance of bilateral relations in light of rising geopolitical tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. He expressed optimism that cooperation would be enhanced at all levels to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan.

Ahead of his trip, Lee delivered a video message at an event marking the anniversary, urging the nations to collaborate for a better future. Lee, who has pledged pragmatic diplomacy, is shifting from his previously critical stance on Japan to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral relations that improved under the prior conservative administration.

He has committed to a "two-track" approach, which involves promoting forward-looking cooperation while separately addressing historical issues, particularly those related to Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.