South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol conducted his inaugural phone call with Japan's newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, during which they concurred on the necessity for a unified response alongside the United States to address North Korea's threats, according to Yoon's office.
Last week, South Korea expressed its approval of Ishiba's election as the leader of Japan's ruling party, anticipating continued progress in bilateral relations and collaborative efforts in security and economic matters under his guidance.
Yoon conveyed to Ishiba during their conversation that the two nations are significant partners who share common values and interests, and extended an invitation for ongoing close communication and enhanced cooperation, as stated by Yoon's office.
The two leaders mutually acknowledged that South Korea, Japan, and the United States must unite to counter North Korea's persistent provocations.
Ishiba, who was officially confirmed as Prime Minister on Tuesday, vowed to foster stronger relations with allied nations to confront the most severe security challenges Japan has encountered since World War II.
Yoon has prioritized improving relations with Tokyo and establishing trilateral security cooperation with the US, aiming to move past the historical animosities arising from Japan's wartime actions.
Under the leadership of Ishiba's predecessor Fumio Kishida and Yoon, a renewed partnership emerged after orchestrating a significant turnaround in relations that had deteriorated to their lowest point in decades prior to Yoon's tenure, influenced by US President Joe Biden.
Both Yoon's office and Japan's foreign ministry confirmed that the two leaders agreed to arrange a meeting soon.
