Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan - ROK Summit Meeting
August 23, 2025
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On August 23, commencing at 4:55 p.m. for approximately 115 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. LEE Jae Myung, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) who is visiting Japan. The summary of the meeting is as follows (The small-group meeting commenced at 4:55 p.m. and lasted for approximately 60 minutes; the plenary meeting commenced at 5:55 p.m. and lasted for approximately 55 minutes).After the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press occasion.
The two governments issued a joint press release regarding the results of the meeting.
- At the outset, Prime Minister ISHIBA welcomed President Lee's visit to Japan and stated that this is the first time since the normalization of the Japan-ROK relations that the ROK's president has chosen Japan as his first bilateral visit destination after taking office, and that he considered it very delightful that “shuttle diplomacy” can be practiced in such a great way. The two leaders welcomed the start of “shuttle diplomacy” between them.
- The two leaders had a candid exchange of views on the overall Japan-ROK relations and concurred to significantly develop the Japan-ROK relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, based on the foundation of the Japan-ROK relations which has been established since the normalization of the Japan-ROK relations in 1965.
- The two leaders concurred to work in the field of security and economic security between Japan and the ROK, as well as among Japan, the ROK, and the U.S., sharing their strategic recognition, while utilizing opportunities such as the Japan-ROK Vice-Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, in light of the current strategic environment.
- The two leaders concurred to establish a framework for consultation between the two governments to share knowledge and work together with a view to finding solutions for common social and economic issues facing both countries, such as regional revitalization, declining birthrate and aging population, rapid population decline, agriculture, and ensuring resilience against disasters. Additionally, they welcomed the decision to expand the working holiday program between the two countries and concurred that the government would support the efforts to promote exchange and mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.
- The two leaders also concurred to further promote cooperation between the two countries in areas such as hydrogen, ammonia, and AI as new horizons in the economic field.
- The two leaders also exchanged views on regional situations. The two leaders discussed their policies toward North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues, and reaffirmed that they would work closely together between Japan and the ROK as well as among Japan, the ROK, and the U.S. toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Prime Minister Ishiba also requested President Lee's continued understanding and cooperation toward the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and the two leaders concurred on the importance of such efforts.
- The two leaders concurred to cooperate with each other toward the successful holding of the APEC Leaders' Meetings to be held in Gyeongju, the ROK, in October this year as well as the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit hosted by Japan.