SEOUL, May 19 — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that Japan is an important partner with which Seoul should cooperate closely in order to overcome the rainstorm on the global stage.
Lee made the comment at the start of his bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a hotel in his hometown of Andong, about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, where the two leaders discussed bilateral and regional cooperation.
“Now, a rainstorm is sweeping the global situation. It is a time when cooperation and communication among like-minded countries are needed more than ever,” Lee said.
“Judging from the way (our two countries) have worked together to address challenges arising from the international situation, I am reminded how both countries are important partners for cooperation,” he added.
The president highlighted the two countries’ joint participation in global efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the conflict-stricken Strait of Hormuz, as well as their cooperation in evacuating their nationals from the Middle East.
“Amid various difficulties, the solid friendship between our countries is shining more brightly than ever,” he said.
Takaichi arrived at Daegu International Airport shortly before noon for a two-day trip, reciprocating Lee’s visit to her hometown of Nara Prefecture in January when the two last met in person as part of the neighboring countries’ ongoing “shuttle diplomacy.”
After emerging from her plane with a bright smile, the Japanese leader was received by South Korea’s Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina before heading to Andong.
Around 170 police officers and 40 patrol cars and motorcycles were deployed at and around the airport to ensure safety during Takaichi’s arrival.
Shortly after her arrival in Andong, Lee welcomed Takaichi with a hug at the entrance of a hotel, wearing a light sky-blue tie that matched the color of the Japanese leader’s suit.
“You have gone to great trouble to come all the way to this small city,” Lee told Takaichi before ushering her into the hotel, according to a pool report.
