▲ President Lee Jae Myung (R) welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a hotel in Andong, about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 19, 2026, ahead of their summit. (Yonhap)
▲ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves her hand upon arrival at Daegu International Airport in South Korea on May 19, 2026. (Yonhap)
▲ Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi leaves an airplane after arrival at Daegu International Airport in South Korea on May 19, 2026. (Yonhap)

(3rd LD) S Korea-Japan summit

(3rd LD) Lee holds talks with Japan PM Takaichi in his hometown of Andong

(ATTN: RECASTS headline, lead; UPDATES paras 2-3 with latest info, minor edits throughout; TRIMS)

SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung held a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday in his hometown of Andong to discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, likely including North Korea and the U.S.-Iran war in the Middle East.

The two leaders began a small-group meeting at a hotel in downtown Andong, about 190 kilometers southeast of Seoul, to be followed by an expanded meeting and a joint press announcement on the outcome of their talks, according to the presidential office.

Takaichi arrived at Daegu International Airport shortly before noon for a two-day trip, reciprocating Lee's visit to her hometown of Nara Prefecture in January when the two last met in person as part of the neighboring countries' ongoing "shuttle diplomacy."

After emerging from her plane with a bright smile, the Japanese leader was received by South Korea's Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina before heading to Andong.

Around 170 police officers and 40 patrol cars and motorcycles were deployed at and around the airport to ensure safety during Takaichi's arrival.

Shortly after her arrival in Andong, Lee welcomed Takaichi with a hug at the entrance of a hotel, wearing a light sky-blue tie that matched the color of the Japanese leader's suit.

"You have gone to great trouble to come all the way to this small city," Lee told Takaichi before ushering her into the hotel, according to a pool report.

Following her summit with Lee, the two leaders will make a joint press announcement on the results of their meeting, followed by a banquet dinner and a performance.

The Japanese prime minister is scheduled to return home Wednesday morning.

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