Japan and South Korea Leaders Hold First Summit, Vow Stronger Cooperation

Historic First Meeting in Gyeongju

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung convened their first summit meeting on October 30, 2025, in Gyeongju, South Korea. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meetings. The discussions, which extended beyond their scheduled duration, signaled a mutual commitment to enhancing relations between the two East Asian nations.

Prime Minister Takaichi, who assumed office on October 21, 2025, and President Lee, who took office on June 4, 2025, emphasized the growing importance of their bilateral relationship and coordination with the United States.

Commitment to Enhanced Cooperation

During their talks, both leaders underscored the necessity of strengthening cooperation, not only between Japan and South Korea but also trilaterally with the United States. Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted that the significance of Japan-South Korea relations and the coordination among Japan, the U.S., and South Korea has intensified in the current strategic environment.

President Lee echoed this sentiment, stating that Japan and South Korea are 'neighbors who share many similarities' and should collaborate to boost ties amid global uncertainty. The leaders agreed to manage existing issues through their leadership and to foster a future-oriented and stable relationship, building upon the foundation established since the normalization of their diplomatic ties.

Focus on Future and Regional Stability

The summit saw both leaders prioritize a forward-looking approach, largely avoiding direct references to historical disputes that have often strained relations. President Lee congratulated Prime Minister Takaichi on her historic election as Japan's first female prime minister, noting her call for a 'future-oriented, stable, and progressive' partnership aligned with his own vision.

Key outcomes of the meeting included an agreement to actively promote 'shuttle diplomacy,' involving reciprocal visits between the leaders, and to maintain close communication between their respective governments. This commitment aims to ensure continuous dialogue and collaboration on various issues, including the complete denuclearization of North Korea and the resolution of the abductions issue.

Broader Diplomatic Engagements

The summit in Gyeongju followed Prime Minister Takaichi's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Tokyo on October 28, 2025, just two days prior to her talks with President Lee. President Trump also met with President Lee in South Korea on the same day as the Japan-South Korea summit, indicating a concerted effort among the three nations to address regional and global challenges.