Busan: South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held summit talks on Tuesday evening with outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in the southeastern city of Busan. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and pledged to cooperate on the evolving global trading system.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the summit took place about a month after President Lee’s visit to Tokyo, marking the first visit by a Japanese leader to a location other than Seoul in 21 years. During their third meeting, President Lee emphasized the importance of addressing historical issues while fostering “future-oriented” cooperation to tackle shared challenges such as declining birthrates and an aging population.

President Lee presented his government’s initiative to ease tensions and build confidence on the Korean Peninsula, aiming to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. He requested Japan’s cooperation in this endeavor, as stated by presidential spokesperson Kang Yoo-jung at a press conference. “The two leaders reaffirmed their firm commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace,” Kang said.

The leaders also discussed the necessity for close coordination in response to the shifting global trading landscape and agreed to expand cooperation into new areas, including Arctic sea routes. Lee expressed his aspiration for South Korea and Japan to jointly address common social challenges, such as overpopulation in the capital region, and to engage in frequent “shuttle diplomacy.”

“I hope the two countries can build a very close relationship that goes beyond relevant social issues to include economic and security issues, and even emotional understanding,” Lee stated in his opening remarks.