South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has stressed that he hopes to further strengthen bilateral relations with Japan even after Prime Minister Kishida Fumio steps down.
Yoon spoke to reporters at the presidential office on Thursday.
He said whoever is chosen to head the government of Japan, he remains committed to continuing bilateral cooperation and maintaining the synergy between South Korea and Japan. Earlier this month, Kishida announced that he will not run in next month’s leadership election for the Liberal Democratic Party.
Kishida is considering if he can visit South Korea in early September.
Yoon said the visit has not been confirmed, but he will always welcome the Japanese prime minister. He added that he and Kishida are committed to continuing their shuttle diplomacy whenever necessary.
Asked about another upcoming leadership change in the United States, Yoon said the trilateral cooperation framework is very important to the Indo-Pacific region and global economic security and it is also very beneficial to the three nations.
He stressed that leadership changes will not alter the cooperation framework.