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Key Points

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba have established a groundbreaking diplomatic dialogue focusing on trilateral cooperation with the United States. Their 25-minute phone conversation marked a significant step towards improving bilateral relations, particularly as they approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization. Both leaders expressed hope for an in-person meeting, potentially at the upcoming G7 summit in Canada. The discussion underscores a pragmatic approach to addressing regional geopolitical challenges and rebuilding mutual trust between the two nations.

Key Points: Lee and Ishiba Forge US-Backed Trilateral Diplomatic Breakthrough

  • South Korea and Japan reaffirm commitment to bilateral ties
  • Potential first meeting at G7 summit in Canada
  • 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations celebrated
  • Pragmatic approach to regional geopolitical challenges
2 min read

South Korea's Lee, Japan's Ishiba agree to deal with geopolitical crises under trilateral cooperation with US

South Korean President Lee and Japanese PM Ishiba agree on strategic cooperation, signaling improved regional relations amid geopolitical challenges.

"We will work together to explore mutually beneficial approaches - President Lee Jae-myung"

Seoul, June 9

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba agreed to deal with geopolitical crises under the framework of trilateral cooperation with the United States in their first phone talks on Monday, the presidential office said.

During the 25-minute conversation, Lee and Ishiba also reaffirmed the importance of bilateral ties between the two neighbours and expressed hope to meet in person at an early date, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung told reporters.

"Lee expressed hope that the two countries would work together to explore mutually beneficial approaches to addressing future challenges from the perspective of their shared national interests," Kang said.

Lee, who has pursued a "pragmatic" diplomacy, and Ishiba shared the consensus on the need to build a more "solid and mature" bilateral relationship based on "mutual respect, trust and a responsible attitude," he added.

Recognising the 60th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the two nations later this month, Lee and Ishiba agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges and enhance communication between their governments, Yonhap news agency reported.

A potential venue for their first in-person meeting could be the Group of Seven summit in Canada, scheduled for June 15-17, where Lee has been invited as a guest.

Since taking office, Lee stressed the need for policy coherence in dealing with Japan, signalling his intention to uphold the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration's approach on the wartime forced labourer issue, which helped ease strained ties between Seoul and Tokyo.

It marks Lee's second call with a foreign leader, following his first conversation with US President Donald Trump on Friday.

Lee's office is also arranging a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a senior presidential official.

Lee was elected President after months of turmoil surrounding the impeachment and ouster of his former opponent over a botched attempt to impose martial law.

Lee's win was a remarkable comeback after having lost to former President Yoon Suk Yeol by a razor-thin margin of less than 1 percentage point in the previous election in 2022.

While Yoon's attempt to impose martial law in December paved the way for Lee's rise to the presidency, it also deepened the nation's political divide and increased the challenges posed by everything from the United States' tariff policies to North Korea's advancing nuclear weapons programme.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting development in East Asia. While India maintains good relations with both Japan and South Korea, we must watch how this trilateral cooperation affects regional dynamics. Hope our government engages with all three nations to protect Indian interests in the Indo-Pacific. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Japan and South Korea coming together is good for Asian stability, but I worry about China's reaction. India should maintain its strategic autonomy while cooperating with all these nations. Our QUAD partnership is more important than ever now!
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Arjun S.
The forced labour issue between Japan and Korea reminds me of how we Indians also suffered under colonial rule. It's good they're moving forward, but historical wounds must be acknowledged properly. Hope India-Japan-Korea can strengthen ties in technology and manufacturing too.
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Sunita R.
As an Indian who loves K-dramas and Japanese anime, I'm happy to see cultural exchanges increasing! 🎌🇰🇷 Maybe we can have more India-Japan-Korea cultural festivals. Our PM should propose this during next meetings. Soft power matters as much as geopolitics!
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Vikram J.
While this alliance is focused on North Korea, India should be cautious about over-reliance on US-led partnerships. We need to balance our relations with Russia and maintain our strategic independence. The world is becoming multipolar and our foreign policy should reflect that.
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Neha P.
The article mentions China too - this is the real elephant in the room. India must carefully navigate these alliances while protecting our borders. Hope our diplomats are watching these developments closely. At the same time, economic cooperation with all these nations could benefit Make in India initiative.

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