Leaders Vow to Seal Newfound Partnership Amid Tokyo, Washington Transitions

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol reaffirmed their commitment to fostering better relations, with an imminent transition of leadership in Tokyo and Washington on the horizon. Both leaders discussed advancing bilateral ties, security cooperation, and handling lingering historical disputes, emphasizing the continued importance of their partnership.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called for sustained momentum in improving bilateral relations during a summit in Seoul. This diplomatic push faces challenges from imminent leadership changes in Tokyo and Washington.

Relations hit a low due to historical grievances, but Kishida underscored the necessity of building on previous efforts to advance ties, expressing sympathy for Koreans affected by Japan's colonial rule. Yoon highlighted the potential for 2024 to be a turning point in their partnership.

The leaders welcomed a new agreement facilitating citizens' emergency evacuations and agreed to simplify immigration processes. As Kishida prepares to step down, U.S. officials expressed confidence in the continuity of commitments under new leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)