Seoul, Sep 29 (NationPress) President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea is set to engage in summit discussions with Shigeru Ishiba, the outgoing Prime Minister of Japan, in the southeastern city of Busan on September 30. This marks a significant moment as it will be the first time in 21 years that a Japanese leader visits a city in South Korea outside of Seoul, according to a statement from the presidential office.

Ishiba is scheduled for a two-day visit, serving as a reciprocal gesture after Lee's trip to Japan last month. This visit symbolizes the revival of “shuttle diplomacy” between the two nations, as noted by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac during a press interaction, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

"The summit will address common issues, including demographic shifts and regional revitalization," stated Wi. He further emphasized that discussions will also focus on enhancing future-oriented cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence and hydrogen energy.

There is optimism that this summit will allow both nations, which share similar stances and are partners in cooperation amid the evolving global trade landscape, to broaden their dialogue.

Lee had previously met with Ishiba in Tokyo last month, where he proposed that their next summit be held in South Korea in a venue other than Seoul.

This visit marks Ishiba's first trip to South Korea since assuming office in October of last year, and notably, it is the first time in 21 years a Japanese Prime Minister will venture outside of Seoul.

This occasion is expected to be Ishiba's last trip to South Korea as Prime Minister, following his announcement of resignation earlier this month.

The summit aims to reaffirm Ishiba's commitment to fostering bilateral relations as a senior lawmaker in Japan, even post his tenure, as highlighted by Wi.