4 days ago
Japan PM Ishiba, South Korean President Lee agree to develop stable ties
Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and South Korea's new president have agreed that they and their officials will communicate closely to stably develop relations between their countries, and with the United States.
On Monday, Ishiba held his first phone call with Lee Jae-myung, who was inaugurated on June 4. The call lasted for about 30 minutes.
Ishiba offered his congratulations to Lee for assuming office, and expressed his hope for further promotion of ties that have been built through efforts by Japan and South Korea.
The two leaders agreed that coordination among their countries and the United States is important, as the environment surrounding Japan and South Korea is becoming increasingly severe.
Ishiba also conveyed his hope for closely coordinated responses to North Korea, including on the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang.
He and Lee agreed to make arrangements to meet face-to-face at an early date. They confirmed that their countries will maintain close communications, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of their normalization of diplomatic relations.
