By Xu Aiying

President Lee Jae Myung on April 8 hosted talks with former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Seoul on the direction of the development of bilateral ties and global issues.

President Lee hailed the continued development of relations since the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of both countries last year, adding, "I'm truly grateful that Korea-Japan relations have grown substantially more stable under your leadership and that bilateral cooperation has gone smoothly since then."

"Amid rapidly changing global dynamics, the importance of Korea-Japan cooperation as neighbors is growing," he added. "I hope both countries will closely communicate and produce bigger outcomes of cooperation in various sectors."

The former prime minister said President Lee has solidified shuttle diplomacy and is steadily advancing bilateral ties.

Amid growing instability in international politics, Ishiba agreed on the need for Seoul and Tokyo to more actively communicate and cooperate more widely in a range of sectors including economy, society and security.

President Lee also asked his guest to keep playing an active role in handling difficult issues in bilateral relations and firm up future-oriented cooperation.

xuaiy@korea.kr