Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stressed that a stable relationship between South Korea and Japan would not only benefit the two sides but the region as a whole.

At the start of an extended summit with President Lee Jae Myung in Tokyo on Saturday, the Japanese prime minister also said it is very important for South Korea, Japan and the United States to strengthen cooperation with each other.

Ishiba said neither peace nor stability can be achieved without active efforts, especially in these turbulent times.

Referring to last month’s visit to Japan by Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, the Japanese leader said there is close communication between the two countries.

Ishiba also said he found it encouraging that Lee chose Japan as his first bilateral diplomatic visit since taking office in June, adding that he hopes their summit diplomacy will proceed in a positive manner.