South Korean and Japanese public-private cooperation committees convened on Jeju Island on Saturday for their annual joint meeting, bringing together senior government officials and industry leaders to discuss the strengthening of bilateral ties.
The 58th joint session of the Korea-Japan Cooperation Committee and the Japan-Korea Cooperation Committee saw the participation of Taro Aso, vice president of Japan&rsquo;s Liberal Democratic Party; Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima; Jeju Governor Oh Young-hun; former South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin; and Lee Dae-soon, chairman of the Korea-Japan Cooperation Committee.
Kim Ki-byung, head of the committee&rsquo;s board, underscored the significance of hosting the event in Jeju, describing it as a &ldquo;global tourist city representing Korea.&rdquo;
In a congratulatory message, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Seoul and Tokyo. 
&ldquo;At this symbolic milestone, Korea-Japan relations are more mature and solid than ever,&rdquo; Lee said in the message delivered by First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo. 
He urged the committees to help both countries pursue a &ldquo;more practical and future-oriented partnership.&rdquo;
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also sent a written message, praising the committees for serving as a longstanding platform for private-sector exchanges and expressing hope for continued progress in bilateral cooperation.
Earlier on November 1, President Lee expressed optimism about Seoul&rsquo;s relations with Tokyo following his first summit with Prime Minister Takaichi during the APEC meeting in Gyeongju. 
He said the two countries could advance toward mutually beneficial ties by &ldquo;squarely facing&rdquo; pending issues. 
&ldquo;I had a very good feeling (about the meeting),&rdquo; Lee told reporters. &ldquo;I am no longer worried.&rdquo;
Lee added that concerns over Takaichi&rsquo;s traditionally hawkish stance should ease, noting that her approach as prime minister &ldquo;will be and should be&rdquo; different from when she was a politician. 
He said he found her to be &ldquo;a truly outstanding politician who shares the same views.&rdquo;
He also proposed holding their next meeting in Takaichi&rsquo;s hometown of Nara, which she welcomed. 
Both leaders agreed to maintain &ldquo;shuttle diplomacy&rdquo; through reciprocal visits to sustain progress in bilateral coordination.
&mdash;IANS

Official speaks at podium during Korea–Japan meeting

Committees in Jeju push Korea-Japan ties toward a stronger, future-focused partnership

Korea, Japan Committees Advance Bilateral Dialogue

Committees in Jeju push Korea-Japan ties toward a stronger, future-focused partnership

November 22, 2025 | 17:30 IST