Are South Korea and Japan Preparing for Summit Talks with Lee and Takaichi on Oct 30?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Summit scheduled for October 30
- Focus on improving bilateral relations
- Topics to include trade and AI
- Takaichi's first visit as Prime Minister
- Discussions with other world leaders planned
Seoul, Oct 28 (NationPress) South Korea and Japan are actively organizing bilateral summit discussions between President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea and Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for later this week, as reported by media outlets on Tuesday.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, the two nations are aiming to hold the summit on Thursday, with both leaders appearing eager to foster improvements in their bilateral relations.
This anticipated meeting is scheduled as Takaichi plans to arrive in South Korea on Thursday to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will commence in the southeastern city of Gyeongju the following day.
Earlier in the day, Japan's chief cabinet secretary confirmed during a press conference that Takaichi will embark on a three-day visit to South Korea starting Thursday.
Topics including trade, investment, artificial intelligence, and demographic changes will be on the agenda during the APEC summit, as stated by Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara.
The senior official further mentioned that Takaichi will engage in summit discussions with leaders from other nations during her visit to South Korea, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
The presidential office has previously noted that discussions are in progress to facilitate Lee's inaugural summit with Takaichi amid the APEC gathering.
Lee is also scheduled for talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday.
Notably, this marks Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's first official visit to South Korea since her appointment. Takaichi was elected as Japan's Prime Minister on October 21, following a runoff election in the Parliament. She is also recognized as the first woman to hold this position.
The Upper House confirmed Takaichi's ascension as Prime Minister, with her securing 125 votes in the Upper House, just surpassing the simple majority required for victory. Previously, she had garnered 237 votes in the Lower House, exceeding the necessary majority of 233.