Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is coordinating plans to visit South Korea on the 19th of this month for a summit with President Lee Jae-myung, Japanese media reported Sunday.
Kyodo News and other Japanese outlets reported that Takaichi is expected to discuss economic security cooperation with Lee on the 19th, including energy supply measures in response to instability in the Middle East and strengthening critical mineral supply chains. According to local media, the summit is likely to be held in Andong, Lee's hometown.
Lee previously visited Nara Prefecture, Takaichi's hometown, in January this year for a summit. Takaichi's reciprocal visit to Lee's hometown could be interpreted as an effort to strengthen shuttle diplomacy between the two leaders. Lee and Takaichi first met at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in October last year, where they pledged to actively implement shuttle diplomacy.
At this upcoming summit, the two leaders are expected to discuss measures to address supply chain risks that have emerged since the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war, as well as ways to jointly secure crude oil, petroleum, and related materials. With U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to China and a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for the 14th and 15th of this month, the two countries' strategies toward China may also be on the agenda.
