"The importance of Japan-ROK relations and cooperation is further increasing under the strategic environment."

"Let's effectively utilize shuttle diplomacy to communicate"… We will continue to restore shuttle diplomacy.

(Gyeongju = Yonhap News) Special Reporting Team = Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told President Lee Jae-myung on the 30th,"I am convinced that it is beneficial for both countries to develop bilateral relations in a future-oriented and stable manner based on the foundation of the Japan-Korea relationship that has been built so far."

Prime Minister Takaichi, who visited Korea on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, made these remarks in his opening remarks during a meeting with President Lee held at the Hwabaek Convention Center in Gyeongju that afternoon.

In particular, he emphasized that"Japan and Korea are important neighbors to each other," and that "under the current strategic environment, I believe the importance of Japan-Korea relations and cooperation between Japan and Korea is increasing even more."

He also pointed out that "this year is a great and monumental year, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan."

Prime Minister Takaichi said,"I hope that we can make good use of shuttle diplomacy and communicate well with the President," and added,"Foreign Minister Motegi is here today, but I hope that we can develop it by communicating well at various levels."

This is interpreted as President Lee showing his intention to continue the 'shuttle diplomacy' that was restored early on with former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Prime Minister Takaichi began the meeting by saying,"I am grateful to the President for welcoming me with such a kind and smiling face," and "It is a little late, but I would like to congratulate you on your inauguration in June of this year."

He added,"I am delighted to be able to meet you so soon after my inauguration as Prime Minister, and I thank you for your congratulations on my inauguration." This meeting marks the first face-to-face meeting between the two leaders, held nine days after Prime Minister Takaichi took office on the 21st.

He then emphasized,"I sincerely congratulate you on hosting APEC."