Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Denuclearization, Lasting Peace on Korean Peninsula

South Korea and Japan have agreed to strengthen their relations, focusing on shared social challenges, economic cooperation, and security partnership, said their leaders after a summit in Tokyo. The meeting marked the first visit by a Korean president to Japan since diplomatic ties were normalized in 1965. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, as well as cooperation in advanced technologies, particularly in hydrogen energy and AI.

Key Takeaways:

• South Korea and Japan will establish a working-level consultative body to address shared social issues, including low birthrates, aging populations, and disaster safety awareness.
• The two countries will deepen cooperation in advanced technologies, particularly in hydrogen energy and AI.
• The working holiday program will be expanded to allow people between the ages of 18 to 25 to participate twice.
• Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to lasting peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.
• Trilateral cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the United States is crucial in a rapidly changing international environment.
• South Korea and Japan will deepen their security partnership and discuss responses to North Korean missile threats.
• The two countries aim to cooperate in mutual benefits through practical diplomacy focused on national interests and future-oriented cooperation.
• A joint statement was issued after the summit, marking the first time in 17 years that the two nations have done so after a bilateral summit.

Statistics:

• 67 days have passed since the first meeting between the two leaders at the G7 Summit in Calgary, Canada, on June 17.
• 1965 is the year in which diplomatic ties between South Korea and Japan were normalized.
• 18-25 years old is the age range for participants in the expanded working holiday program.
• 17 years is the period since a joint statement was last issued by the two nations after a bilateral summit.

Sources:

• Lee Jae-Myung, President of South Korea
• Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan
• G7 Summit in Calgary, Canada, on June 17