(VOVWORLD) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed to closer security and economic ties ahead of Lee's planned summit with US President Donald Trump on Monday.
 South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung meets Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, Japan, August 23, 2025. (Photo:REUTERS) |
On his first official visit to Japan since taking office in June, Lee met Ishiba at the premier's residence in Tokyo to discuss bilateral ties between the East Asia neighbors, including closer security coordination with the United States under a trilateral pact signed by their predecessors.
"As the strategic environment surrounding both our countries grows increasingly severe, the importance of our relations, as well as trilateral cooperation with the United States, continues to grow," Ishiba said in a joint announcement with Lee after their meeting.
The leaders agreed to resume shuttle diplomacy, expand exchanges such as working holiday programs, and step up cooperation in defense, economic security, artificial intelligence and other areas.
In Washington, Lee and Trump are expected to discuss security concerns including China, North Korea, and Seoul’s financial contribution for US forces stationed in South Korea.
Japan and South Korea also share common ground on trade, with both agreeing to 15% tariffs on US imports of their goods after Trump had threatened steeper duties.