Japan and South Korea leaders agree to ”strengthen cooperation”

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized strengthening cooperation between the two countries in their opening remarks ahead of their expanded summit on the 23rd.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who spoke first, welcomed President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Japan, saying, "It was an opportunity to exchange views in depth face-to-face."
"We must actively work for peace and security. The development of stable relations between Japan and South Korea will also benefit the region. I hope that the President will emphasize these points.
"I am happy to be able to share this with the Republic of Korea," he said. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba mentioned Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun, who visited Japan on the 29th of last month, and said, "I also met him.
"I also met with the Japanese foreign minister. We have close communication in this way," he said. "This is the first time in 60 years since the normalization of diplomatic relations that a South Korean president has visited Japan as his first bilateral visit since taking office."
"I understand that this visit will further develop relations between the two countries," he said, emphasizing, "I hope that this visit will serve as an opportunity to further develop relations between the two countries." President Lee Jae-myung said, "I am grateful to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru for the splendid welcome he gave me."
" He continued, "As I said before, Korea and Japan are like neighbors who share the same garden. There are many areas in which we cooperate, and because we are so close, conflicts can arise."
"International relations are similar to human relations. There are elements of conflict, cooperation, and complementary elements," he said. "Difficult issues can be resolved, and intractable issues can be resolved through cooperation over time."
Only then can the people of both countries look forward to a better life,” he said. “In a situation where the international order is in turmoil, including trade and security issues, we must stand on similar positions in terms of values, order, and system ideology.
"I believe that South Korea and Japan, which share the same values, must strengthen cooperation more than ever before," he said. President Lee Jae-myung made it clear that he recognizes Japan as an important partner country.
President Lee Jae-myung also emphasized that "the first bilateral summit meeting I held with Japan since taking office is because I attach great importance to Japan." President Lee Jae-myung also requested that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visit South Korea, saying, "The Prime Minister will contribute to regional balance."
I understand that you are interested in the development of the country, but if your visit to Korea becomes a reality, let's meet in the provinces instead of Seoul."