Overview
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung held their first bilateral talks in Gyeongju on the sidelines of APEC a week after Takaichi took office.
- Both sides agreed to deepen practical cooperation and pursue reciprocal leaders' visits, with officials describing the outcome as a good start that continues shuttle diplomacy.
- According to the South Korean government, the leaders did not directly address historical issues during their meeting.
- A senior Japanese cabinet official said unresolved colonial-era matters will require candid leader-level dialogue and stressed that Tokyo and Seoul fully share the strategic value of their alliances with the United States.
- Takaichi mounted a charm offensive, highlighting friendly gestures and having skipped an autumn Yasukuni visit, as Lee responded with gifts and light-hearted exchanges.