Japan-South Korea summit: Consultative body established to address declining birthrate

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Prime Minister Ishiba confirmed that they would work together to address common challenges facing the two countries, such as the declining birthrate and aging population, population decline, and regional revitalization.
The plan is to share experience and know-how and seek common solutions while also taking legal systems into consideration. The two leaders made this agreement official through a joint press statement issued after their summit on the 23rd.
They confirmed a common understanding of structural issues facing society as a whole, such as the aging of the population, population concentration in the capital region, agriculture, and disaster prevention issues, and decided to establish an intergovernmental consultative body to continue discussions.
The structure and management of the body were left to future discussions. They also made clear their intentions regarding economic and industrial cooperation. The two leaders agreed that combining the industrial strengths of the two countries would bring about greater synergy.
The two sides agreed to significantly expand cooperation in future industrial fields such as hydrogen and artificial intelligence (AI), judging that this will produce positive results. Measures to expand youth exchanges were also prepared.
The number of times the pass can be added will be increased from one to two, providing more opportunities for young people to experience each other's cultures and societies.
They agreed to actively support various exchange programs. Security issues were also discussed. President Lee explained the government's vision and policies for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.
He explained the policy direction and emphasized his firm commitment to denuclearization and building lasting peace. Furthermore, this joint visit to Japan and the United States is intended to strengthen Japan-ROK and Japan-US-ROK cooperation and strategic communication.
The two leaders made it clear that cooperation between the two countries is crucial to strengthening cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the ROK, and proposed creating a virtuous cycle that would lead to stronger ties between Japan, the United States, and the ROK.
They also confirmed that they will cooperate closely toward the successful holding of the APEC Summit and the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit scheduled for Japan.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Ishiba pointed out that previous cabinets have taken the stance regarding historical recognition, including the 1998 "Japan-Korea Joint Declaration on a New Partnership for the 21st Century."
He said he would inherit the entire place, which can be interpreted as an indirect expression of remorse and apology for the past.