Prime Minister Takaichi’s Remarks at the Joint Press Occasion with President Lee of the Republic of Korea

 
[Opening Statement by Prime Minister Takaichi]

Hello, everyone. First, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to H.E. President LEE Jae Myung on his visit to Japan. In particular, I am very pleased that we are able to welcome the President here in Nara, as he expressed his wish to visit during our previous summit meeting.
 
Since I assumed office as Prime Minister, President Lee is the first foreign leader I have welcomed to Nara. This is a testament to the friendship and trust that exist between the President and myself.
 
Building on this relationship, at today’s summit meeting, I was able to hold meaningful exchanges of views with the President on a wide range of issues.
 
As the strategic environment surrounding our two countries becomes increasingly severe, the importance of Japan–ROK relations, as well as Japan–ROK–U.S. cooperation, is growing ever greater. With the President, we shared the recognition of the strategic importance of the Japan–ROK relations and affirmed that our two countries should work together to play a role in ensuring regional stability. We were also able to recognize the importance of strategic coordination, including Japan–ROK and Japan–ROK–U.S. security cooperation. This was discussed thoroughly. We will continue to maintain close communication going forward.
 
Since last year, which marked the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between our two countries, the President has consistently demonstrated the importance he attaches to Japan–ROK relations.
 
I welcome the fact that, not long after my visit to the Republic of Korea in October last year, we were able to carry out “shuttle diplomacy” in this manner. With the President, we agreed to continue actively promoting “shuttle diplomacy” going forward. For my part, I look forward to visiting the Republic of Korea again.
 
This year as well, under the leadership of the President and myself, I intend to significantly advance Japan–ROK relations, while at the same time strongly promoting cooperation among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
 
I also shared with the President the recognition that Japan–ROK relations should be advanced in a well-balanced manner, and we also saw important progress in individual cooperation initiatives.
 
In the fields of the economy and economic security, we concurred on deepening discussions among the relevant ministries in order to promote strategic and mutually beneficial cooperation.
 
In that context, I held in-depth discussions with the President on the cooperation regarding supply chain.
 
Also, transnational organized fraud has become a common challenge for Japan and the Republic of Korea. The President and I also agreed to work toward drafting a document to accelerate our cooperation to date on dealing with such transnational organized fraud.
 
I also welcome the progress being made in Japan–ROK coordination toward cooperation on DNA testing with regard to the remains discovered at the Chosei Coal Mine in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
 
We also held thorough exchange of views on the regional situation. On that basis, given the current strategic environment, we confirmed the importance of close coordination between Japan and the Republic of Korea.
 
With regard to responses to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, we reaffirmed that we will continue to work closely together toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, through close coordination between Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as among Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
 
I am also grateful for the strong support we have received from the President toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

Here in Nara, we have had age-old and deep ties with the Republic of Korea. Reflecting on the history of exchanges between our two countries and the importance of people-to-people connections, I would like to escort the President to Horyu-ji Temple tomorrow.
 
Starting with the President’s visit on this occasion, I hope that this year will become one in which Japan–ROK relations develop to greater heights. That concludes my remarks. Thank you very much.