S/ Ishiba Shigeru, Japanese Prime Minister / I once again felt the need for Japan to make efforts so that close cooperation between Japan and South Korea will contribute to the region and the world.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was in Busan, South Korea, for summit talks with President Lee Jae-myung on September 30.

The two leaders affirmed their commitment to advance bilateral relations in a future-oriented manner.

Ishiba's trip was part of the shuttle diplomacy initiative in which leaders of the two countries regularly make reciprocal visits.

He said his trip was meaningful for the stable development of ties between Japan and South Korea.

As this is expected to be Ishiba's last overseas travel as prime minister, he is apparently hoping to pass on the favorable bilateral relationship to the next Japanese government.

Ishiba and Lee issued a joint statement declaring their intention to strengthen cooperation on common social issues including regional revitalization and the declining birthrate coupled with an aging society.

Officials said that in the talks, Lee remarked that exchanges between their countries are important in this difficult time, while Ishiba expressed hope to build a relationship utilizing each other's wisdom and experiences to find solutions.