Japanese Lawmaker Meets South Korean President to Boost Ties

Ryota Takeda, a senior Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker and chairman of the Japan–Korea Parliamentarians' Union, met South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Friday at the Blue House presidential office in Seoul. The two agreed to work toward boosting relations between Japan and South Korea and reaffirmed the importance of parliamentary diplomacy.

It was Takeda's first visit to South Korea since he became head of the lawmakers group in March.

Lee said improving ties between the two countries benefits both amid the complex and fluid international situation. Takeda told reporters after the meeting that Japan and South Korea should call on middle powers to unite in order to stabilize the international order.

He added that exchanges are necessary in fields including security, rare earth minerals and their supply chains, and population declines.

“I would like to facilitate close communication at various levels (with South Korea),” Takeda said.