South Korean, Japanese leaders stress closer cooperation amid turbulent times

President Lee Jae Myung (left) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of their meeting in Nara, Japan on Jan. 13, 2026. YonhapSEOUL, January 13 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation amid a rapidly shifting international environment as the two met for talks in Japan on Tuesday.

During their summit in Nara, Takaichi's hometown and Japan's ancient capital during the early imperial era, the two leaders stressed the strategic importance of bilateral relations and agreed to pursue a forward-looking relationship.

Expressing delight at hosting the new year's first summit in her hometown as part of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries, Takaichi said Japan and South Korea should strengthen their relationship by "doing their part" while working together for regional stability.

She added that last year's 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the neighboring countries showed the resilience of their relationship, and expressed hope to strengthen it further to "begin another 60 years."

"Holding the summit in Japan's historic city of Nara is especially meaningful, as the area has long served as a hub of cultural exchange," Lee replied. "At a time when cooperation is more important than ever to navigate a turbulent international order, it is even more meaningful."

Lee is scheduled to meet with South Korean expatriates the following day before returning home.
Choe In-hyeok 기자 inhyeok31@ajunews.com