President Lee: "I Hope Korea-Japan Relations Improve to Become 'Close and Even Closer Neighbors'"

▲ President Lee Jae-myung meets with Takeda Ryota, Chairman of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union, at the Blue House on June 26.

President Lee Jae-myung met with Takeda Ryota, Chairman of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union, who is visiting South Korea, at the Blue House today (June 26).

President Lee stated, "There is a common saying that Korea and Japan are 'close yet distant neighbors,' but I hope that Korea-Japan relations will improve significantly so that we can become 'close and even closer neighbors.'"

He continued, "International relations have become increasingly complex recently," and emphasized, "In times like these, improving Korea-Japan relations will be beneficial for both countries."

He added, "To achieve this, while exchanges between citizens and high-level summits are important, exchanges between lawmakers are also crucial. I hope these exchanges will expand more actively."

Chairman Takeda responded, "The continuation of shuttle diplomacy between our two countries is a truly excellent achievement and a new role model." He added, "There have been reports in the Japanese media that trust between Korea and Japan has reached over 70 percent, and we must strive to ensure that this remains a lasting relationship rather than a one-time event."

In particular, he emphasized, "Recently, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won visited Japan for the Korea-Japan Business Conference and stated that the relationship between Korea and Japan is not a 'choice' but a 'must.' Currently, AI and semiconductors are supporting the global economy. In terms of technological cooperation, our two countries have an inseparable relationship."

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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