President Lee Jae-myung is wearing glasses gifted by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a friendly gathering held at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on the 19th, and posing for a commemorative photo. On the left is Prime Minister Takaichi wearing President Lee Jae-myung's glasses. Photo by the Blue House

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On May 19, President Lee Jae-myung held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Andong, President Lee's hometown, where the two leaders agreed to jointly address the instability in supply chains and energy markets caused by the unrest in the Middle East. Additionally, both countries decided to expand supply chain cooperation based on the "Korea-Japan Supply Chain Partnership" and the "LNG Supply and Demand Cooperation Agreement" signed in March. They also agreed to strengthen information sharing and communication channels related to LNG and crude oil supply, demand, and reserves.

After the summit at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, President Lee stated during a joint press conference, "We agreed that the need for close cooperation between the two countries has grown even more in response to the instability in supply chains and energy markets stemming from the recent situation in the Middle East." He added, "We also shared the view that peace and stability in the Middle East region must be restored as soon as possible."

Prime Minister Takaichi also said, "We agreed to continue our respective efforts to ensure the free and safe navigation of the Strait of Hormuz and to promote progress in the situation." She emphasized, "Supply chain cooperation between Korea and Japan, including critical minerals, is important." She continued, "We decided to strengthen energy security between Korea and Japan, including enhancing reserves in the Indo-Pacific region, as well as facilitating the mutual flexibility and swap trading of crude oil, petroleum products, and LNG." In addition, Prime Minister Takaichi proposed in the meeting that Korea and Japan deepen resource supply chain cooperation with other Asian countries experiencing supply chain crises through close collaboration, to which President Lee expressed support and agreed to actively participate.

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi watched Seonyujulbulnori at Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 19th. Photo by Cheongwadae

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President Lee underscored the importance not only of Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation, but also trilateral cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan for peace and stability in the region. President Lee evaluated the recent upgrade of the Korea-Japan Security Policy Consultation to the vice-ministerial level as a highly meaningful development, stating, "Since Northeast Asia is closely interconnected in economic and security aspects, it is important for Korea, China, and Japan to respect each other, cooperate, and pursue common interests for genuine peace and stability in the region." In response, Prime Minister Takaichi remarked, "Given the current international circumstances, it is important for Korea and Japan to take an active role in maintaining and strengthening deterrence and response capabilities, including the U.S.-Japan alliance, the Korea-U.S. alliance, and strategic cooperation, to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region."

The situation on the Korean Peninsula was also a major agenda item. President Lee said, "I explained our government's position to Prime Minister Takaichi on building a 'peaceful Korean Peninsula without the need for conflict,' where the two Koreas coexist peacefully and grow together." Regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Takaichi stated, "We discussed North Korea's response, including the nuclear and missile issues, and reaffirmed that Korea, Japan, and Korea-U.S.-Japan will respond in close coordination." On the issue of Japanese abductees, she added, "I once again thank President Lee for expressing his support for an immediate resolution."

Cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and biotechnology was also discussed. President Lee said, "If our two countries strengthen a mutually beneficial and strategic cooperation foundation based on their respective strengths in the AI field, companies and citizens of both nations will become leaders of a 'global AI-based society.'" The two countries also held in-depth discussions on cooperation in advanced technology fields such as space exploration and biotechnology. Prime Minister Takaichi added, "Regarding AI, which is both a new challenge and an opportunity, and the increasingly important field of economic security in general, Korea and Japan will continue discussions between relevant authorities to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation so that both countries can become stronger and more prosperous together."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is holding a joint press conference with President Lee Jae-myung at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do on the 19th. Photo by Yonhap News

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In the area of public safety, the joint response to transnational scam crimes was highlighted as a major achievement. President Lee stated that the "Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Response to Transnational Scam Crimes" signed between the two countries' national police agencies "will significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of investigations, serving as a solid foundation to protect the citizens of both countries from the threat of crime." The two countries also agreed to discuss cooperation on personal data protection in the AI era. Prime Minister Takaichi similarly noted, "Cross-border organized fraud is a common challenge for Korea and Japan," and welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding on joint response to organized fraud.

Korea and Japan also made progress on humanitarian cooperation related to historical issues. President Lee announced, "DNA analysis of the remains excavated from the Josei Coal Mine in Japan will soon begin," adding, "Through close working-level consultations between diplomatic authorities, we have agreed on specific procedures and methods for DNA analysis." He continued, "This will be a small but meaningful first step for the two countries to cooperate on humanitarian matters related to historical issues."

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is looking at a gift prepared by President Lee Jae-myung during the welcome dinner hosted by the president at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on the 19th. Provided by the Blue House

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This summit took place just four months after President Lee's visit to Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown of Nara, Japan, in January. President Lee remarked, "This is the first time in history that the leaders of Korea and Japan have visited each other's hometowns, and it is a rare event even by global standards. The fact that this meaningful and historic exchange took place in just four months demonstrates the deep and robust friendship and bonds shared between Korea and Japan."

President Lee particularly noted the significance of expanding shuttle diplomacy from Seoul and Tokyo to regional cities such as Busan, Gyeongju, Nara, and Andong. He said, "Annual people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Japan now reach 13 million, and the younger generation of both countries are actively visiting each other's regional cities to discover their hidden charms. The Korea-Japan relationship is now expanding beyond the capitals to every corner of the regions, ushering in a new horizon."

President Lee went on to mention that he has met with Prime Minister Takaichi four times in the past seven months, confirming that shuttle diplomacy has become established. He said, "This means that shuttle diplomacy, where the leaders of both countries meet and communicate whenever necessary, regardless of formalities, has now fully taken root. As we mark a new 60th anniversary in Korea-Japan relations, I look forward to further expanding future-oriented cooperation that the people of both countries can truly feel." Prime Minister Takaichi then commented on the location of the next meeting, saying, "Next time you come to Japan, shall we meet at a hot spring or somewhere else? I'm really looking forward to it. I will welcome you to a beautiful place."

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi are holding a small-scale summit at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk on the 19th. Photo by Blue House

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On this day, the two leaders held a 33-minute small-scale meeting and a 72-minute expanded meeting, discussing ways to deepen bilateral relations for a total of 105 minutes. In his opening remarks at the expanded meeting, President Lee said, "When I visited your hometown of Nara in January, I was truly touched by your warm hospitality. Today, it is truly meaningful and an honor to welcome you here in Andong, where I was born and raised." He continued, "You took office as Prime Minister last October, and this is already our fourth meeting since your inauguration, which truly showcases the essence of shuttle diplomacy between Korea and Japan."

President Lee went on to describe the current international situation as "stormy" and repeatedly emphasized the need for cooperation among allied countries. He said, "Now more than ever, cooperation and communication among friendly nations are needed. Through strong bilateral cooperation and by overcoming international challenges together, we can realize how important Korea and Japan are as cooperation partners for each other."

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a dinner speech at a welcoming banquet for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on the 19th. Photo by the Blue House

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President Lee also mentioned bilateral cooperation for the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He explained, "To ensure the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, our two countries have participated in the Hormuz Strait Initiative led by the UK and France, as well as various international resolutions." President Lee also introduced that Prime Minister Kim Min-seok attended the Asia Carbon Neutral Community Plus Summit led by Prime Minister Takaichi, and that both countries provided airplane seats for citizens stranded in the Middle East to return home.

In her opening remarks, Prime Minister Takaichi said, "President Lee visited Nara in January, and now I am very pleased to be able to carry out shuttle diplomacy in your hometown of Andong." She added, "The international community, including the situation in the Middle East, is currently going through a very difficult period. It is extremely important for our two countries to play a central role in stabilizing the Indo-Pacific region."