Envisioned Lee-Takaichi summit to have meaningful impact for bilateral ties: envoy

▲ South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at the Gyeongju Hwabaek International Convention Center in the southeastern South Korean city of Gyeongju on Oct. 31, 2025, ahead of the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. (Yonhap)

Lee-Japan

Envisioned Lee-Takaichi summit to have meaningful impact for bilateral ties: envoy

TOKYO, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- An envisioned summit between President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to have a meaningful impact for the development of bilateral relations, South Korea's top envoy to Japan said Wednesday.

South Korean Ambassador to Japan Lee Hyuk made the remarks at a press conference, as Seoul and Tokyo have been reportedly making arrangements for a possible summit between Lee and Takaichi in the Japanese prefecture of Nara this month.

"I believe it carries great significance for the development of ties between Korea and Japan if President Lee visits Nara and holds a summit meeting," the envoy said.

Noting that last year marked the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries, he stressed that this year "represents the first step toward another 60 years."

He further expressed anticipation that Lee's visit to Japan early this year, if realized, could serve as a "catalyst" to advance cooperation between the two countries.

During his first summit meeting with Takaichi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in November, Lee suggested holding their next talks in Takaichi's hometown of Nara.

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