During the G20 summit in South Africa, President Lee Jae-myung met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Chang. The meetings underscored the necessity of Korea-Japan and Korea-China cooperation, with both sides agreeing on the importance of fostering and developing mutual relations.
The President’s Office announced that the meetings took place on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. President Lee and Prime Minister Takaichi expressed pleasure at meeting again after their previous bilateral talks during the APEC summit in Gyeongju. They reaffirmed the significance of future-oriented cooperation between Korea and Japan amid the current international situation. President Lee emphasized the role of politicians in managing bilateral relations stably and expressed hope for advancing relations by focusing on areas of cooperation. The two leaders agreed to continue shuttle diplomacy to enhance dialogue on economic, security, and other issues.
In his meeting with Premier Li Chang, President Lee assessed the restoration of Korea-China relations following their summit at the APEC meeting, emphasizing efforts to achieve substantial cooperative outcomes that benefit both nations. Li highlighted the success of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Korea and expressed hopes to advance Korea-China ties from a long-term perspective. Both leaders agreed on the importance of enhancing political trust through dialogue.
President Lee sent special regards to President Xi, hoping to meet soon in Beijing, to which Li responded positively. The President’s Office stated that this meeting with Premier Li signifies continued positive exchanges at the highest level, building on momentum from President Xi’s visit.
Additionally, President Lee also met with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, exchanging greetings and well-wishes.