Japan, South Korea should boost ties through shuttle diplomacy

Frequent meetings will help neighbors navigate complex bilateral relationship

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol shake hands at a joint press conference after their meeting in Seoul on May 7. © Reuters

May 10, 2023 13:00 JST

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met in Seoul on May 7 and confirmed that they would strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including security and the economy.

Their meeting, which came less than two months after their last one in Tokyo, can be described as a confidence-building measure. The two neighbors should actively continue this shuttle diplomacy to strengthen relations.