Lee Jae-myung and Shigeru Ishiba propose joint task force for Korea-Japan cooperation

President Lee Jae-myung concluded a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on the 23rd, stating, "The two countries can be optimal partners for cooperation in various fields such as society, culture, and environment that are beneficial and helpful to each other." The two countries also agreed to expand human exchanges, including working holidays, alongside cooperation in the economy, security, and culture, focusing on future industries like hydrogen and artificial intelligence (AI). In particular, they agreed to establish a 'consultative body' between authorities to jointly address common challenges such as low birth rates and aging populations, urban concentration, agriculture, and disaster safety.

On the same day, President Lee concluded a small group meeting and expanded summit at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan, and jointly announced the results of the talks. The small group meeting attended only by the two leaders and a few advisors lasted about an hour from 4:55 p.m., followed by the expanded summit lasting approximately 50 minutes.

President Lee stated, "The South Korea-Japan countries are neighbors sharing a yard and important partners in addressing common tasks in the midst of a global complex crisis." He added, "We agreed to launch a consultative body between authorities to tackle common challenges faced by both countries, including hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), low birth rates, aging, urban concentration, agriculture, and disaster safety."

President Lee noted, "We shared the understanding that steadfast South Korea-Japan and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation is of utmost importance in the rapidly changing international situation," adding, "We decided to create a virtuous cycle where the development of South Korea-Japan relations leads to strengthened South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation." He also emphasized that it is "the first time in 17 years" that the results of a summit between the two countries have been announced in a joint document.

Prime Minister Ishiba also suggested that the two countries work together to seek responses to social and economic challenges. He said, "There are many common challenges for both countries, such as regional revitalization, low birth rates and aging populations, population decline, agriculture, and securing resilience against disasters," adding, "We agreed on establishing a consultative body to share wisdom and cooperate in finding solutions."

He also welcomed the decision to expand the working holiday system between the two countries, saying, "Although the situation is already active, this decision reflects the demands of the younger generation," adding, "I believe the potential for cooperation between the two countries is very large."

Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his stance on regional issues, stating, "I also expressed our opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or external pressure." He also expressed gratitude for President Lee's support regarding the 'issue of abduction victims,' which the Japanese government has prioritized. Ishiba said, "I appreciate that President Lee has expressed support for an immediate resolution."