South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba convened in Busan on Tuesday, marking a milestone in bilateral relations through renewed commitments to regional cooperation. The meeting, described by both sides as "substantive and forward-looking," focused on enhancing economic partnerships and addressing shared challenges across Asia.
The leaders celebrated the revival of shuttle diplomacy, following Ishiba's visit to Busan just weeks after Lee's August trip to Tokyo. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung confirmed both parties agreed to maintain this momentum, stating: "Regular high-level exchanges will form the backbone of our collaboration in technology, security, and global governance."
A key outcome was the establishment of a joint consultative body to tackle demographic shifts and workforce challenges—issues affecting both nations. The two leaders also announced plans to reactivate the bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Committee, dormant since 2016, signaling renewed focus on innovation-driven growth.
President Lee emphasized his approach of "moving toward the future while squarely facing the past," suggesting that tangible cooperation could create positive momentum for resolving historical disputes. The dialogue followed recent defense and economic security meetings, underscoring deepening institutional ties.
Analysts view the summit as a strategic alignment amid shifting global supply chains and regional security dynamics, with both nations positioning themselves as key anchors for stability in Northeast Asia.
