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President Lee Jae-myung speaks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi by phone at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on October 20. / Source: Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung on October 21 congratulated Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi and expressed hope to meet her during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

In a Facebook message, Lee wrote, “I look forward to meeting Prime Minister Takaichi in Gyeongju and having constructive discussions,” adding that he hoped the two countries would continue to strengthen “future-oriented, mutually beneficial cooperation” at a time of heightened global uncertainty.

“The importance of Korea-Japan relations is greater than ever in today’s volatile international climate,” Lee said. “I look forward to working with the prime minister to further deepen cooperation between our two nations and peoples.”

Lee also said he hoped to maintain frequent communication based on the shuttle diplomacy framework restored earlier this year under former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue between Seoul and Tokyo.

“As neighbors sharing the same front yard, Korea and Japan now see about 12 million people visiting each other annually—something unimaginable 60 years ago,” Lee said. “We stand at a crucial turning point to open the next 60 years of a new Korea-Japan relationship.”

Meanwhile, when asked whether National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac had traveled to Japan, the presidential office declined to confirm, saying, “We are in communication with the new Japanese government through various channels to sustain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.”

Wi is expected to meet officials close to Prime Minister Takaichi to convey President Lee’s message of commitment to strengthening Korea-Japan ties.