Japan’s outgoing Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to make a quick trip to South Korea later this month. He plans to meet South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for an important summit before handing over the reins. This move comes as Ishiba steps down amid political challenges at home.
According to reports from Fuji News Network, Ishiba is organizing a two-day visit starting September 30. The talks will happen in a regional city in South Korea, sources close to the government say. It’s part of the ongoing “shuttle diplomacy” between Japan and South Korea leaders, as Kyodo News points out. Their last meeting was in August, where they focused on boosting ties between the two nations.
Ishiba announced his resignation on Sunday, just days after a tough loss in Japan’s Upper House elections. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito lost their majority, shaking up the political scene. This defeat, highlighted by The Japan Times, piled on the pressure from party seniors who wanted him to step aside to avoid deeper splits.
In a TV press conference on September 7, Ishiba shared his decision emotionally. “I’ve decided to resign as LDP president,” he said. He asked party secretary-general Hiroshi Moriyama to kick off the process for a new leadership election. Ishiba took office last October and had been holding firm against calls to quit, especially with big economic issues on the table. But the election results changed everything.
Japan will pick its next prime minister in early October. Ishiba reflected on recent wins, like a new trade agreement with South Korea, before passing the torch. “We’ve crossed a key hurdle,” he said, his voice breaking. “Now, it’s time for the next generation to lead.”
This Japan-South Korea summit could strengthen regional ties at a crucial time, as both countries navigate global challenges. Stay tuned for updates on the new Japanese leadership and bilateral relations.
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