South Korea's Lee hails 'deep friendship' as he hosts Japan's Takaichi in hometown

The meetings marked the first time sitting leaders of the two countries have visited each other's hometowns. "The fact that such meaningful and historic exchanges took place in the span of just four months speaks to the depth and strength of the friendship and bonds that Korea and Japan now share," Lee told a joint news conference with Takaichi after the summit. Lee said bilateral cooperation was needed more than ever due to instability in supply chains and energy markets caused by the war in the Middle East.