Japan's leader makes farewell visit to South Korea to strengthen his legacy of warming ties

FILE - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during a meeting at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, on May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool, File)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) 鈥 Japan's prime minister will arrive Friday in South Korea for what will likely be the last summit between the two leaders, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol鈥檚 office said Tuesday.

It said outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida鈥檚 two-day visit was arranged after he 鈥渁ctively expressed hope鈥 to end his term on a high note in bilateral relations. In what would be their 12th summit talks, the leaders will discuss further developing two-way ties and strengthening the countries鈥 cooperation in regional and global issues, the office said.

A series of earlier in the year sparked calls for change within Japan's governing party, which was also . Kishida announced in August that he鈥檒l step down after the Liberal Democratic Party .

鈥淧rime Minister Kishida is expected to continue to provide constructive advice to his successor on foreign policies and the future development of South Korea-Japan relations based on his experience,鈥 Yoon's office said in a statement.

Since taking office in 2022, with Japan as part of broader efforts to beef up South Korea鈥檚 military alliance with the United States. The countries have strengthened their military and diplomatic cooperation in the face of North Korean nuclear threats.

香港六合彩挂牌资料. All rights reserved.