Key Facts
• On July 30, Former Prime Minister Suga visited South Korea to meet President Lee Jae-myung.
• Both leaders agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation for the development of Japan-South Korea relations.
• Suga leads the Japan-South Korea Parliamentary Union, which also participated in the visit.
• President Lee expressed honor in hosting Suga as his first foreign guest.
• Lee highlighted improving mutual sentiment between Japanese and South Korean citizens.
• Suga emphasized efforts to foster mutual understanding and friendly development between the two nations.
• Discussions included the potential resumption of shuttle diplomacy between leaders.
• South Korea’s presidential office noted challenges in resuming shuttle diplomacy soon due to Japan’s recent Senate elections.
Summary
Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, as head of the Japan-South Korea Parliamentary Union, visited South Korea on July 30 and met with President Lee Jae-myung. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and exchanges to strengthen bilateral relations. President Lee expressed his honor in hosting Suga as his first foreign guest and noted improving public sentiment between the two nations. Suga pledged efforts to deepen mutual understanding and foster friendly development. Discussions also touched on resuming shuttle diplomacy between leaders, though South Korea’s presidential office indicated that immediate resumption is unlikely due to Japan’s recent Senate elections.
