ANKARA

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first summit talks on Thursday and called for strengthening “future-oriented” cooperation between the two neighbors, according to local media reports.

President Lee met with Premier Takaichi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in Gyeongju.

"Amid the rapidly changing international dynamics and trade environment, I think South Korea and Japan, neighboring countries that share many similarities, must strengthen future-oriented cooperation more than ever," Yonhap News quoted Lee as saying.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Takaichi assumed office this month as Japan’s first female prime minister.

Takaichi arrived on her first visit to South Korea this afternoon.

Lee added that the two countries share many common challenges both at home and abroad, and emphasized the importance of working together through coordination.

"By sharing experiences and working together, I believe we can successfully address not only domestic issues but also international ones," he said.

On her part, Prime Minister Takaichi described Japan and South Korea as “important neighbors” and reaffirmed her commitment to building a stable, future-oriented relationship, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties.

"Stable, future-oriented ties will benefit both Japan and S. Korea," Kyodo News quoted Takaichi as saying.

She also proposed maintaining close communication and reciprocal visits.