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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands ahead of their summit at the APEC House in Busan on September 30. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday expressed hope that shuttle diplomacy with Japan would strengthen cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, calling the latest summit with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba a “cornerstone” for a new era in relations.

Speaking at the APEC House in Busan, Lee said, “As close neighbors, Korea and Japan should become truly closer emotionally, economically, culturally, and in security. I hope this summit will serve as a new cornerstone for our relationship.”

Lee emphasized the importance of regular high-level visits, calling the summit “shuttle diplomacy at its finest.” He noted that he had already met Ishiba three times within his first 100 days in office, adding with a light remark that the “Ishiba curry” he tasted during his visit to Japan was the best.

“Especially when the world is facing difficulties, it is important for close neighbors to expand exchanges,” Lee said, thanking Ishiba for agreeing to hold the summit in Busan.

For his part, Ishiba praised Lee’s decision to fulfill a pledge to host a summit outside the capital, calling it “deeply meaningful.” Referring to Busan’s history as the departure point for Joseon-era envoys to Japan, Ishiba said the legacy of the Joseon Tongsinsa symbolized active people-to-people exchange.

Ishiba also highlighted the two governments’ new consultative body announced earlier in the day, expressing hope that Korea and Japan would share wisdom and experiences to tackle common social challenges such as population decline, aging, urban concentration, low food and energy self-sufficiency, and agriculture. He voiced support for reviving the bilateral science and technology cooperation committee.

“I hope our two countries will cooperate more closely than any others, meeting frequently and achieving tangible results every time through shuttle diplomacy,” Ishiba said.

Marking his final days in office, Ishiba added, “Today marks exactly one year since I took office as prime minister. To conclude my diplomacy with a summit alongside President Lee is a truly meaningful moment.”

Earlier in the day, Ishiba paid respects at the grave of Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean student who died in 2001 while trying to rescue a Japanese man at Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo Station. “I have deep respect for Lee’s love and courage in sacrificing his life for others,” he said.