Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Visits South Korea for Final Summit

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit South Korea for a final summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation on regional and global issues before Kishida steps down in late September. Historical grievances and recent disputes remain significant topics.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Friday for a critical summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. This will likely be the final meeting between the two leaders before Kishida steps down.

The two-day visit is intended to fortify bilateral relations and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues, according to a statement from Yoon's office. The leaders will meet for their 12th summit to discuss these vital topics.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, emphasized the importance of this meeting, especially in light of the challenging strategic environment. The visit comes after a series of local election losses in Japan and a fundraising scandal, prompting Kishida to announce in August his departure from leadership after the Liberal Democratic Party selects a new leader on September 27.

(With inputs from agencies.)