Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held bilateral talks in Seoul on Sunday. It is believed they agreed to accelerate the improvement of bilateral relations, keeping in mind that next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties.
The meeting was held at the presidential office, ahead of a three-way summit that will include Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Kishida opened the meeting by saying he is pleased to have the opportunity to closely communicate with Yoon, and he wants to continue the shuttle diplomacy based on a trusting relationship.
Kishida said he wants to achieve closer bilateral cooperation to maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific and to deal effectively with global issues at a time when the international community is at a historic turning point.
Yoon said he is pleased that the fruit of improvement in bilateral ties is steadily adding up.
He said he hopes to work together to prepare for a historic leap forward in bilateral ties when the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.
The two leaders are believed to have confirmed that their countries will expand youth exchanges.
They are also believed to have agreed to strengthen cooperation in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile development, including at the UN Security Council, and to further advance the three-way relationship among Japan, the United States and South Korea.