Lee holds first bilateral meeting with Japanese PM in Canada

President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru shake hands at a bilateral meeting held at a G7 summit venue in Kananaskis Canada — President Lee Jae-myung (right) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during a bilateral meeting in Kananaskis, Canada on June 17, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - President Lee Jae-myung held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Canada on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit on Tuesday. After speaking over the phone last week, they met in person for the first time since Lee took office earlier this month.

Lee began the talks with ice-breaking remarks likening the two countries to neighbors sharing a "front yard," and added, "There may be differences in opinion, but both countries should overcome them to build a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship."

Congratulating Lee once again on his election, Ishiba also agreed on closer cooperation and expressed hopes for "more exchanges" between Seoul and Tokyo, highlighting the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two neighboring countries.

Lee further stressed the need for "enhanced cooperation across various fields" to address global challenges including tariff-related disputes and a new round of deadly conflict in the Middle East following Israel's surprise attack on Iran last Friday, which triggered retaliatory strikes and heightened military tensions in the region.

The two leaders talked for about 30 minutes and wrapped up the meeting, reaffirming their commitment to resume shuttle diplomacy, which will involve reciprocal regular visits to each other's countries.

Meanwhile, Lee is returning home later in the day, wrapping up his brief trip to Canada, where he met with leaders of nine countries and the head of the United Nations.

Im Yoon-seo lyseo0330@ajupress.com

Lee holds first bilateral meeting with Japanese PM in Canada

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