Japan, South Korea to Reinforce Bilateral Relations

(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is scheduled to travel to South Korea next week to participate in a summit meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

The two-day trip to Andong will commence on Tuesday and will include bilateral discussions, a joint media statement, a dinner gathering, and several friendship-related activities, the presidential office confirmed. A news agency stated that the visit is aimed at further enhancing diplomatic engagement between the neighboring nations.

This journey forms part of the ongoing "shuttle diplomacy" initiative maintained by both countries and comes after a prior invitation extended by Lee.

Takaichi and Lee previously convened in January during Lee’s visit to Japan’s Nara Prefecture, which is recognized as Takaichi’s hometown.

Andong, situated nearly 190 kilometers (118 miles) from Seoul in North Gyeongsang province, is also known as Lee’s hometown.

The summit negotiations are anticipated to address the future course of bilateral relations and the expansion of cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly the economy and enhanced safeguards for travelers from both nations.

Regional instability in the Middle East, along with other significant international matters, is also expected to occupy a major portion of the discussions.

According to the presidential office, the meeting is projected to deepen the "solid solidarity and trust" shared by the two leaders while providing momentum for the future-oriented advancement of relations between Seoul and Tokyo.

MENAFN15052026000045017167ID1111119609