South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledge to deepen bilateral relations

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledge to deepen bilateral relations

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties following a telephone conversation on Monday, June 9, 2025. The call, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, was aimed at reinforcing coordination on North Korea issues and promoting further development of relations between the two countries [2].

Lee, who was elected last week, emphasized the importance of pragmatism in his diplomacy and underscored the need for security cooperation between South Korea, Japan, and the United States. He expressed his intention to address geopolitical crises within the framework of a three-way cooperation with Tokyo and Washington [2].

Ishiba, for his part, reiterated the significance of bilateral ties and expressed a desire to advance relations through mutual efforts based on the foundation already established by both governments. The two leaders agreed to meet in person to further develop their relationship [2].

This development comes at a time when Lee is focusing on revitalizing the South Korean economy and strengthening ties with key international partners, including Japan. Lee's election victory was closely watched in Europe and among NATO countries, with some concerns about his foreign policy stance [4].

South Korea's new president has promised to boost arms exports, treating the defense sector as a "new growth engine." Despite his conciliatory stance toward China and Russia, Lee has indicated that he will continue to cooperate with Europe on defense matters, although lethal aid to Ukraine is off the table until a ceasefire is reached [4].

The agreement between Lee and Ishiba is expected to have positive implications for the economic and security landscape in the region. It is anticipated that the deepening of bilateral relations will foster greater cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and defense, potentially leading to new investment opportunities and enhanced regional stability [1][2].

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/en/south-korea-president-lee-japan-pm-ishiba-agree-strengthen-ties-lees-office-says-2025-06-09/
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/South-Korea-President-Lee-Japan-PM-Ishiba-agree-to-strengthen-ties-50187980/
[3] https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2025/06/3ec65171d0b6-update1-liberal-lee-leads-in-exit-polls-in-s-koreas-presidential-race.html?phrase=japan%20earthquake&words=
[4] https://www.politico.eu/article/south-korea-president-lee-jae-myung-china-russia-relations-arms-sales-europe/