South Korean and Japanese Leaders Meet for 4th Time in 7 Months; Lee Hopes to Expand Future Cooperation

(CNA, by reporter Yang Chi-fang, Seoul, 19th) Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited South Korea today. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that he has met with Prime Minister Takaichi four times in the last seven months and looks forward to expanding cooperation that the people of both countries can feel in the future. He also emphasized the importance of South Korea-US-Japan and South Korea-China-Japan cooperation for regional peace. Prime Minister Takaichi visited South Korea today for a two-day, one-night trip, choosing President Lee's hometown of Andong as the location. The two sides first held a small-scale meeting for about 33 minutes, followed by an expanded meeting of 1 hour and 12 minutes. At a post-meeting press conference, President Lee said, "It has only been four months since my visit to the Prime Minister's hometown of Nara in January, and this time the Prime Minister personally came to my hometown of Andong. It is the first time the leaders of South Korea and Japan have visited each other's hometowns, and it's likely a rare precedent in the world." Lee emphasized that such a meaningful and historic exchange being realized in just four months demonstrates the friendship and connection between South Korea and Japan. Lee pointed out, "Compared to the past when shuttle diplomacy between Korea and Japan was confined to Seoul and Tokyo, I believe it is highly significant that it has now expanded to local cities like Busan, Gyeongju, Nara, and Andong." During today's talks, Lee stated that as strategic partners jointly addressing the rapidly changing international situation, South Korea and Japan frankly discussed a number of issues. Regarding the supply chain and energy market instability caused by the recent situation in the Middle East, both countries agreed on the need for closer cooperation. They also concurred that peace and stability should be restored to the Middle East region as soon as possible. Lee stressed that amidst the rapidly changing international landscape, both sides reaffirmed the importance of South Korea-Japan cooperation and South Korea-US-Japan cooperation for regional peace and stability. He also mentioned that to achieve true peace and stability in the region, the three countries of South Korea, China, and Japan should respect and cooperate with each other and seek common interests. They also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, Lee mentioned that the two countries decided to further strengthen cooperation in core energy fields such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil. They decided to expand LNG cooperation between South Korea and Japan based on the "LNG Supply and Demand Cooperation Agreement" signed in March, while also deepening information sharing and communication channels related to crude oil supply, demand, and reserves. The two sides also discussed cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and biotechnology, as well as strengthening cooperation to ensure the safety and security of their citizens. Regarding the 1942 accident at the Chosei coal mine in Japan, which killed 183 people, including 136 laborers from the Korean Peninsula, remains were excavated last year and this year. Lee stated that the DNA identification of the remains from the Chosei coal mine