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President Lee Jae-myung shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during their summit at the prime minister’s residence in Tokyo on August 23. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung underscored the importance of bolstering trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States during a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on August 23, framing Korea-Japan relations as a key lever for wider regional unity.

“Amid rapidly shifting global dynamics, the leaders of Korea and Japan agreed that unwavering Korea-Japan and Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation is more important than ever,” Lee said after the talks. “We will create a virtuous cycle where stronger bilateral ties lead to deeper trilateral collaboration.”

Lee stressed that Seoul and Tokyo, which share similar values and strategic outlooks, must strengthen cooperation in trade and security. “There has never been a greater need for dialogue and communication between Korea and Japan,” he said, describing Japan as “a neighbor sharing the same front yard” and “an optimal partner.” He also referred to Ishiba as “a close friend.”

The meeting, held at the Japanese prime minister’s residence, produced the first joint press statement in 17 years between the two nations. The leaders pledged closer cooperation in future industries such as hydrogen and artificial intelligence, while launching a new bilateral consultative body to share policy expertise on common social challenges, including low birthrates, aging populations, urban concentration, agriculture, and disaster safety.

The two sides agreed to resume “shuttle diplomacy,” enabling more frequent exchanges between Seoul and Tokyo. On North Korea, Lee reaffirmed his commitment to “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of lasting peace,” pledging to maintain close coordination with Japan and the U.S. Ishiba echoed the stance, vowing to work closely with Seoul and Washington to achieve Pyongyang’s disarmament.

Concluding his two-day visit, Lee departed for Washington on August 24 to attend his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The two leaders are expected to discuss follow-up measures to the July tariff agreement, adjustments to the role of U.S. Forces Korea, and increased defense cost-sharing under what both sides are calling an “alliance modernization” framework.