Japanese PM to receive near state-visit honors during planned visit to Korea: presidential office

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will be welcomed with honors equivalent to those accorded during a state visit during her planned trip to the Korean city of Andong this week for a summit with President Lee Jae Myung, the presidential office said Sunday. Takaichi is scheduled to make a two-day visit to Andong, Lee's hometown in North Gyeongsang Province located about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, starting Tuesday, as part of the so-called shuttle diplomacy between the two neighboring countries. The two leaders last met in January, when Lee visited Nara Prefecture, the Japanese leader's hometown. "We expect this visit to serve as a meaningful opportunity to further deepen the strong trust and friendship between the leaders of the two countries," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said. Takaichi is scheduled to arrive at Daegu Airport on Tuesday, where she will be welcomed by Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina and other officials before heading to a hotel where small-group and expanded summit talks will take place. President Lee is expected to personally greet Takaichi at

Original source: Korea Times