South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will travel to Japan from August 23–24 for talks with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, his office announced on Wednesday.
Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said the two leaders will discuss strengthening regional peace and enhancing trilateral cooperation with the United States.
While the exact date of the summit during Lee’s two-day visit was not disclosed, the meeting will mark their second encounter following their first talks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada in June, where they pledged to deepen bilateral ties.
Relations between Seoul and Tokyo, both key U.S. allies, have long been complicated by historical disputes rooted in Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Lee, who has previously been critical of past efforts to improve ties, has in recent months signaled a willingness to work with Ishiba on areas of mutual interest.
The summit comes as both nations face economic uncertainties, including the impact of U.S. tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. Lee’s visit to Japan will be followed by a trip to the United States, where he is scheduled to meet Trump on August 25.
Written By Rodney Mbua
