Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: “I held a summit meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. As the strategic environment surrounding both countries becomes increasingly severe, Japan-ROK relations and Japan-ROK-U.S. cooperation are becoming increasingly important.
“President Lee and I confirmed that Japan and South Korea should work together to play a role in regional stability. We also discussed the importance of strategic cooperation, including Japan-ROK and Japan-ROK-U.S. security cooperation.
“Furthermore, we agreed to deepen discussions in the areas of economy and economic security in order to advance strategic, mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Following the meeting, I performed a drumming concert with President Lee Jae Myung. When we met at APEC last year, he told me that it was his dream to play the drums, so I prepared a surprise for him. I performed to “Golden,” which won Best Original Song at the recent Golden Globe Awards, and BTS’s “Dynamite.”
“President Lee Jae Myung expressed his joy at being able to fulfill his long-held dream of playing the drums. At the dinner that followed, the President and First Lady and the South Korean delegation enjoyed Japanese cuisine made generously with ingredients from Nara.
“Going forward, in order to steadily develop Japan-South Korea relations in a future-oriented manner, the two governments will continue to maintain close communication, including through the active implementation of “shuttle diplomacy.”
Photo credit: Provided by the Cabinet Public Relations Office
