Seoul:President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation with Japan as a crucial task in the face of global challenges, particularly those driven by the development of artificial intelligence (AI). He identified supply chains, AI, and aerospace as key areas for collaboration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee conveyed his message through a written speech at the Future Economic Forum 2026, hosted by Yonhap News Agency. The forum was themed "A fragmenting global economy, bridging the Korean and Japanese markets." In his speech, read by press secretary Seong Ghi-hong, President Lee highlighted the unprecedented transformations in security and trade, driven by AI technological innovations, as pivotal reasons for strengthening ties with Japan.

President Lee outlined the government's efforts to build trust with Japan through active shuttle diplomacy. He emphasized the expansion of economic cooperation beyond supply chain stabilization to include advanced technologies such as AI, aerospace, and biotechnology. He also pointed to shared social challenges, like low birth rates and aging populations, as areas for joint response, urging participants to explore further avenues for deepening bilateral economic cooperation.