Prime Minister Kim calls for deeper Korea-Japan local government cooperation

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok met with a delegation of Japanese governors on November 12 to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between local governments and promote a forward-looking Korea–Japan partnership based on mutual understanding and exchange.

During the meeting at the Seoul Government Complex, Kim welcomed Abe Shuichi, Governor of Nagano Prefecture, and eight other Japanese regional leaders who were visiting Korea to attend the 8th Korea–Japan Governors and Mayors Conference, held this year in Incheon. The conference serves as a forum for local governments of both nations to collaborate on shared challenges such as economic revitalization, demographic change, and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Kim emphasized that the governors’ meeting traces its roots to a proposal made to former President Kim Dae-jung by Japanese counterparts, symbolizing the enduring importance of local-level diplomacy in bilateral relations.

“I hope Korea and Japan will continue to advance their relationship in the spirit of the Kim Dae-jung–Obuchi Declaration, which laid the foundation for a partnership built on trust and cooperation,” Kim said.

Referring to the recent Korea–Japan summit on the sidelines of the APEC meeting, Kim noted that shuttle diplomacy between the two nations has resumed momentum and urged local governments to play a greater role in sustaining and expanding this positive dynamic.

“Promoting people-to-people and youth exchanges is crucial to carry this momentum forward,” Kim added. “As close neighbors, Korea and Japan must deepen interaction among younger generations to build a shared future.”

Representing the Japanese delegation, Governor Abe Shuichi expressed strong agreement on the need for more active youth exchange programs.

“Both Korea and Japan face similar challenges, such as population decline and the need for balanced regional development,” Abe said. “By expanding youth engagement and joint local initiatives, we can strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation.”

He added that Japanese local governments would continue to offer detailed and practical support for expanding bilateral collaboration at the community level.

The Korea–Japan Governors and Mayors Conference alternates biennially between the two countries and provides a venue for discussing shared regional challenges, including tourism, trade, environmental protection, and innovation.

This year’s session in Incheon focused on sustainable regional development and cross-border collaboration, underscoring the growing role of “local diplomacy” in advancing bilateral relations beyond the national level.

Korea and Japan are expected to use this dialogue to build an enduring inter-local network that complements central government diplomacy and enhances public understanding of each other’s societies.

Building on this momentum, both sides are exploring initiatives such as a Korea–Japan Youth Forum, joint workshops on culture and tourism, and local internship programs designed to strengthen grassroots-level ties.

Prime Minister Kim concluded, “The stronger the trust between local governments, the deeper the relationship between our two nations. Let us open a new era of Korea–Japan cooperation led by our communities and future generations.”