President Lee Jae-myung Holds Luncheon with Former Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba

President Lee Jae-myung invited former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to Cheong Wa Dae on the 8th for a luncheon. At the Inwang Hall in the main building of Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee, smiling at former Prime Minister Ishiba, offered a greeting, "Welcome to Korea." Former Prime Minister Ishiba replied, "Thank you."

President Lee, evaluating Ishiba's tenure, said, "I am grateful that the Korea-Japan relationship significantly stabilized during your term as prime minister, and cooperation has been quite good since then."

He added, "Prime Minister Ishiba has a very broad perspective, takes a keen interest in international affairs, and has played a significant role." He continued, "I hope you will continue to play a major role in the complex international environment going forward."

Former Prime Minister Ishiba reflected on his term, emphasizing, "Although my tenure was short at one year, what I prioritized most in the context of diplomacy was the development of Korea-Japan relations." He responded, "I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity."