Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Summit Telephone Talks
June 9, 2025
On June 9, commencing at noon for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, spoke over the phone with Mr. LEE Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The summary of the telephone talks is as follows.
- Prime Minister Ishiba extended his congratulations to President Lee on his inauguration. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his intention to move the Japan-ROK relations forward through the efforts of both sides, on the basis of the foundation built by the two governments.
- The two leaders concurred on the recognition that the Japan-ROK relations and the coordination among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK are important amid the increasingly severe strategic environment. The two leaders also confirmed that they will continue to progress the Japan-ROK relations stably. Prime Minister Ishiba also stated that he would like to work closely together on the policies on North Korea including on the abductions issue.
- Furthermore, the two leaders shared their expectations to hold an in-person meeting at an early stage and reaffirmed the importance of close communication between the two governments including between the two leaders.