South Korea, Japan boost cooperation talks

South Korea and Japan moved to strengthen bilateral cooperation as their leaders met in Nara, reaffirming ties amid what they described as a “complex and turbulent international order.” Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized closer coordination on security and economic matters as both countries face heightened geopolitical rivalry and regional uncertainty.

Security discussions focused on North Korea’s weapons programs and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, with officials stressing that sustained dialogue and joint planning are essential to maintain stability in Northeast Asia. The leaders also raised the sensitive issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, underscoring a shared interest in resolving longstanding humanitarian concerns.

Economic resilience and technological cooperation were prominent in talks. Seoul and Tokyo agreed to deepen collaboration on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, framing such cooperation as key to bolstering supply chains and withstanding global disruptions. Both sides signalled intent to pursue concrete measures to strengthen trade and technology links.

The summit took place against the backdrop of recent diplomatic friction: Tokyo remains at odds with Beijing over comments by Takaichi about possible military deployment if a Chinese attack on Taiwan threatened Japan’s existence, and Lee, who recently met China’s leader, said he would not intervene in the dispute even as he called the standoff undesirable for regional peace. Despite lingering historical grievances between Seoul and Tokyo, the two leaders stressed pragmatic management of differences, regular high-level communication and expanded people-to-people exchanges to rebuild trust.

Officials said the meeting would conclude with a joint statement and pledged to continue consultations through diplomatic and defence channels. Observers view the talks as a step toward consolidating a more cooperative Korea–Japan relationship as both countries recalibrate strategies to confront a rapidly changing international landscape.