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South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi hold an expanded summit at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, on May 19. / Yonhap News

President Lee Jae-myung stated on May 19 that "the international situation is currently facing a raging storm," emphasizing that "cooperation and communication among allies are more necessary now than ever." During the South Korea-Japan summit held in Andong, Gyeongbuk, he highlighted the necessity of bilateral cooperation while referencing global issues, including the situation in the Middle East and supply chain crises.

In his opening remarks during the summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a hotel in Andong, Gyeongbuk, President Lee said, "Even amid these various challenging circumstances, the firm friendship between our two nations shines brighter."

He continued, "As we navigate these international difficulties together, we are realizing just how vital a cooperative partner each country is to the other."

President Lee also noted recent instances where South Korea and Japan jointly responded to global challenges. "Our two nations joined the 'Strait of Hormuz Initiative' led by the United Kingdom and France, as well as various international resolutions, to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "We also shared aircraft seats to safely evacuate each other's citizens stranded in the Middle East."

Furthermore, he outlined achievements in supply chain collaboration and public livelihood stability. "In March, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik visited Japan and signed the Korea-Japan Supply Chain Partnership, establishing a readiness posture against supply chain crises," President Lee stated.

"We have also institutionalized cooperation against scam crimes and conducted working-level discussions on DNA testing for victims of the Chosei coal mine disaster, moving a step closer to fulfilling the wishes of the bereaved families," he added.

President Lee highlighted the symbolic weight of the summit location. "When I visited Prime Minister Takaichi's hometown in Nara Prefecture last January, I received truly exceptional hospitality," he recalled. "Today, it is deeply meaningful and an honor to welcome the Prime Minister here to Andong, where I was born and raised."

He added, "This marks our fourth meeting since the Prime Minister took office last October. In just four months, the Prime Minister and I have visited each other's hometowns."

President Lee emphasized that "this is not only a first in the history of South Korea-Japan relations but also a rare case globally, demonstrating the true essence of shuttle diplomacy."

He also stressed the need for a future-oriented advancement of bilateral ties. "South Korea-Japan relations are moving forward at a breathless pace toward the future without a single day's rest," President Lee said.

"If we expand our mutual understanding and rapport without being bound by precedents or conventions, we will undoubtedly be able to devise practical and groundbreaking cooperative measures," he stated. "I hope today's meeting, held in the first year of the next 60 years of our relationship, serves as a stepping stone to elevate South Korea-Japan relations to the next level."