Japanese PM visits South Korea to discuss strengthening energy supply

JAKARTA - Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung are scheduled to discuss strengthening energy supply cooperation amid global disruptions due to the conflict in the Middle East.

"I hope to deepen discussions with President Lee and achieve results beneficial to the development of Japan-South Korea relations amid the challenging international situation," Takaichi said before leaving Tokyo.

According to Japanese government officials, the two are also expected to discuss other economic security issues, including strengthening the supply chain of important minerals.

Takaichi's two-day visit until Wednesday was his third summit with Lee and was part of an exchange of visits by the leaders of the two countries who have become active in recent years.

The South Korean government said Takaichi would be greeted with the equivalent of a state guest. The two leaders are also scheduled to hold a joint press conference after the meeting.

The second meeting between the two leaders will take place in Andong, Lee's hometown in South Korea's southeast, on Tuesday.

The two previously met in Nara, western Japan, in January. According to the South Korean presidential office, this is the first time that the leaders of the two countries have visited each other's hometowns.

Japan and South Korea both rely on crude oil imports from the Middle East and face similar challenges since the Israeli-US attack on Iran in late February triggered an effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In addition to energy issues, the two leaders are expected to discuss regional security developments, including North Korea's missile and nuclear programs and China's increased military activity.

Japanese officials said the talks could also include a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Beijing last week.