Busan: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung are set to agree on continuing “shuttle diplomacy” during their meeting in Busan, South Korea. The practice involves mutual visits by each country’s leaders, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ishiba is keen on ensuring stable relations between Japan and South Korea, even after his tenure ends. “We need to have the shuttle diplomacy take root. It’s important to maintain stable ties with South Korea under the left-leaning Lee administration,” stated a Japanese Foreign Ministry official.
This visit marks Ishiba’s first trip to South Korea since assuming office last October and is anticipated to be his final foreign engagement as prime minister, following his announcement of resignation earlier this month. The two leaders initially met in Canada in June, and Lee made his inaugural visit to Japan on August 23 for discussions with Ishiba.