Tokyo – Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to enhance security and economic cooperation ahead of a meeting between the South Korean leader and U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled for Monday, reports 24brussels.
During Lee’s inaugural visit to Tokyo since taking office in June, he met Ishiba at the Prime Minister’s residence to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and aligning defense strategies through a trilateral agreement with the United States.
“As the strategic environment surrounding both our countries grows increasingly severe, the importance of our relations, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, continues to grow,”
Ishiba stated in a joint announcement following their discussions.
What areas will Japan and South Korea enhance cooperation in?
The leaders resolved to reinstate shuttle diplomacy, boost working holiday programs, and fortify collaboration in defense, economic security, artificial intelligence, and other sectors. They committed to greater coordination in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Lee underscored his commitment to deepening ties with Japan, asserting,
“We agreed that unwavering cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and Japan is paramount in the rapidly changing international situation, and decided to create a virtuous cycle in which the development of South Korea-Japan relations leads to stronger cooperation,”
Lee remarked alongside Ishiba.
In their upcoming meeting with Trump, Lee and the U.S. president are anticipated to discuss various security issues, notably concerning China, North Korea, and Seoul’s financial contributions to U.S. military forces stationed in South Korea – an area Trump has consistently pressured allies to enhance. Both Japan and South Korea also agreed to maintain a unified stance on trade, setting a 15% tariff on U.S. imports of their products in light of Trump’s threats of escalating duties.
When was the last meeting between Lee and Ishiba held?
The previous official encounter took place in June 2025 during a G7 summit in Canada, where Lee and Ishiba initiated a process aimed at renewing communications and improving relations between their nations.