Kishida visits South Korea for summit on improving ties

Fumio Kishida, the outgoing Prime Minister of Japan, is set to visit South Korea for a two-day summit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations. This visit, which is expected to be the last summit between Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, comes after Kishida expressed a desire to conclude his term positively. The leaders will engage in discussions focused on advancing cooperation in various regional and global issues, marking their 12th meeting since Yoon took office. Kishida's visit is significant as it occurs amidst a backdrop of political challenges in Japan, including local election losses and a fundraising scandal that has prompted calls for leadership change within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Kishida announced his intention to step down following the party's leadership election scheduled for September 27. His visit to South Korea is seen as an effort to solidify the progress made in Japan-South Korea relations during his tenure. Since taking office in 2022, President Yoon has prioritized resolving historical disputes with Japan, which is part of a broader strategy to strengthen South Korea's military alliance with the United States. The two countries have been enhancing their military and diplomatic ties in response to increasing threats from North Korea, particularly its nuclear ambitions. As Kishida prepares to hand over leadership, he is expected to offer guidance to his successor regarding foreign policy and the future trajectory of Japan-South Korea relations. This summit represents a crucial moment for both leaders to reinforce their commitment to cooperation and stability in the region.