I met with Ryota Takeda, President of the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League, a Japan-Korea friendship exchange group in the Japanese National Diet, and had a meaningful conversation about the future of Japan-Korea relations and ways to expand cooperation between the parliaments of our two countries. Over the long span of 23 years, President Takeda has been active in the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League, serving as a representative pro-Korea lawmaker who has acted as a bridge between Korea and Japan.
As President Takeda noted, Japan-Korea cooperation is now “not a choice, but a necessity.” Amid rapidly changing international dynamics and complex global issues, Korea and Japan—the closest of neighbors—must prepare for the future together as vital partners. Only when broad exchanges continue to connect not just the governments of both countries, but also their parliaments, local governments, businesses, and citizens, can Japan-Korea relations advance even further.
In that regard, the roles of the Korea-Japan Parliamentary League and the Japan-Korea Parliamentary League are more important than ever. I asked that they continue to serve as a steadfast link, broadening mutual understanding through sustained exchanges and dialogue, and working together to build a future-oriented Japan-Korea relationship.
I also extend my deep gratitude to Joo Ho-young, President of our National Assembly’s Korea-Japan Parliamentary League, and Min Hong-chul, Secretary General, who joined us. Moving forward, I look forward to your collective wisdom in ensuring that, building on our long-standing friendship, we pass on an even better Japan-Korea relationship to future generations.
: Lee Jae Myung
President of South Korea