TOKYO/SEOUL, Sept 19:
The governments of Japan and South Korea are preparing for a two-day visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Busan from around Sept 30, as per Japan Times.
The trip, which will include a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, is expected to be Ishiba’s first visit to South Korea since becoming prime minister in October 2024 – and his final overseas engagement before stepping down.
Ishiba, who is also leader of the currently ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), recently announced his resignation, with the party set to elect a new leader on Oct 4. The sudden decision to step aside has prompted a flurry of last-minute diplomatic activity, as Ishiba seeks to leave office on a note of stability and ensure a smooth transition in foreign relations.
The Japanese premier’s upcoming visit to Busan follows an earlier meeting with President Lee in Tokyo back in August, where both leaders agreed to meet again outside the capital to symbolise a more grassroots-focused approach to bilateral ties.
Talks in Busan are expected to focus on shared social challenges in both Tokyo and Seoul, chief being- the declining birth rates, aging populations, and regional revitalisation.
“We aim to further establish ‘shuttle diplomacy'” between Japan and South Korea, or mutual visits by their leaders to each other’s country, a Japanese government official said about Ishiba’s envisioned visit to Busan.
Officials in Tokyo say Ishiba hopes to consolidate the recent positive momentum in Japan-South Korea relations and hand them over intact to his successor.
Before travelling to South Korea, he will attend the upcoming UNGA session in New York. (UNI)
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