South Korea＊s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac affirmed good ties with senior Japanese Cabinet members during discussions held in Tokyo, ahead of a visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Japan expected early next year.

Wi spoke with Japan＊s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in two separate meetings on Monday. Wi confirmed with both Kihara and Motegi the importance of forward-looking and stable development of ties between Seoul and Tokyo, and agreed that the governments will continue to work together closely, according to statements from Japan＊s Foreign Ministry.

Motegi also said that Japan and South Korea are important neighbors and should work together on various international issues as partners. He pointed to the increasing importance of cooperation not only between Japan and South Korea, but also trilaterally with the U.S. as the security environment becomes increasingly tense, according to the statement.

Local media have reported that preparations are underway for Lee to visit Japan in mid-January to meet with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Some reports have said the meeting may take place in Takaichi＊s native prefecture of Nara.

A meeting between the leaders in January would come as relations between Tokyo and Seoul remain stable after a warming of ties in 2023, when the two governments agreed to put their differences 〞 including various wartime compensation issues 〞 behind them to cultivate a forward-looking relationship.

Japan and South Korea have a long history of tension dating back to Japan＊s annexation of South Korea, which ended in 1945 with Japan＊s surrender in World War II. Lingering disputes over wartime issues have flared at times, overshadowing cooperation between the two nations.

The meeting would come as a dispute between the region＊s two biggest economies, Japan and China, shows no signs of abating after Takaichi＊s comments on a possible Taiwan contingency incurred the wrath of Beijing.