Outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung have agreed on the need to continue developing “stable” ties amid concerns that the next Japanese government could take a harder line on relations with Seoul.
The Ishiba-Lee talks Tuesday in the South Korean city of Busan was their third meeting and likely final trip abroad by the Japanese leader. Ishiba announced earlier this month that he would step down following the ruling coalition’s string of election defeats, a move that has triggered a leadership vote for his Liberal Democratic Party this Saturday.
Speaking after their meeting, Ishiba told reporters that he hoped to cement “shuttle diplomacy” — a crucial mechanism of bilateral cooperation that has included regular leaders’ visits and summit talks.
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