Seoul/Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering a visit to South Korea later this month for summit talks with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, according to Japanese media reports citing diplomatic sources.
Reports by Kyodo News and other Japanese media outlets stated that Takaichi is expected to travel to South Korea on May 19 for a two-day visit.
The summit meeting is likely to be held in Andong, Lee’s hometown located around 190 kilometres southeast of Seoul.
Talks expected to focus on economic security
According to reports, discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on economic security cooperation, including energy supplies and critical mineral supply chains.
The talks are also expected to address regional geopolitical concerns arising from tensions and instability in West Asia.
The planned visit forms part of continuing “shuttle diplomacy” efforts between Japan and South Korea aimed at strengthening bilateral relations after years of strained ties over historical and security issues.
Takaichi last visited South Korea in October, shortly after assuming office as Prime Minister.
During that visit, she held talks with President Lee on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit held in the southeastern South Korean city of Gyeongju.
Earlier this year, Lee also travelled to Japan and held summit discussions with Takaichi in Japan’s Nara Prefecture.
Diplomatic observers view the exchange of visits as part of efforts by both countries to maintain regular high-level dialogue and improve cooperation in strategic sectors.
Defence agreement reports draw caution from Seoul
Meanwhile, South Korea’s defence ministry on Friday clarified that Seoul is not currently considering a bilateral military logistics support agreement with Japan.
The statement followed reports suggesting Tokyo was seeking progress towards an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) with South Korea.
According to Japanese newspaper reports, the issue was discussed after a recent “two plus two” security meeting involving vice ministers of defence and foreign affairs from both countries held in Seoul.
An ACSA is a military logistics agreement that facilitates the sharing of supplies and services such as fuel, food, transportation and operational support during emergencies or joint activities.
South Korea maintains cautious position
A South Korean defence ministry official stated that the government was not considering signing such an agreement with Japan at present.
The official said South Korea continues to pursue “stable and future-oriented” defence cooperation with Japan based on mutual respect and trust.
Japan has reportedly been seeking stronger defence coordination with South Korea as well as trilateral cooperation involving the United States.
Tokyo views enhanced cooperation as important for regional deterrence against threats posed by North Korea and growing security concerns involving China.
However, South Korea has historically approached military cooperation with Japan cautiously due to domestic sensitivities linked to Japan’s colonial rule over the Korean Peninsula between 1910 and 1945.
Concerns have also been raised in South Korea over the possibility that such agreements could enable Japan’s Self-Defence Forces to operate on or near the Korean Peninsula during future contingencies.
Regional cooperation under focus
Despite ongoing sensitivities, diplomatic and security cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo has improved in recent years amid shared concerns over regional stability, supply chain resilience and North Korean missile activities.
Analysts said the proposed summit between Takaichi and Lee could further strengthen coordination on economic security, trade resilience and regional strategic cooperation.
Officials from both governments have not yet formally confirmed the schedule of the reported visit.