In media interviews published Friday, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said he intends to deliver a personal letter from President Moon Jae-in to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe next week in Tokyo, hoping to improve a bilateral relationship strained by historical issues and trade disputes in recent months.

He made the remarks in separate interviews with Kyodo News and the daily Asahi Shimbun.

Lee is set to attend the enthronement ceremony for Emperor Naruhito on Tuesday and is expected to meet with Abe on Thursday.