Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she intends to make progress on Seoul-Tokyo ties with President Lee Jae Myung as the two sides cooperate to stabilize the region.

At the start of the leaders’ summit in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara Prefecture on Tuesday, the prime minister said she and Lee shared an understanding of the strategic importance of bilateral relations when they held talks earlier with only a handful of aides in attendance.

Takaichi said she was happy that the two countries were able to demonstrate the strength of two-way ties last year as they marked the 60th anniversary of the normalization of relations.

She expressed hope of further developing and elevating relations this year following President Lee’s visit.

The leaders are expected to attend a dinner banquet after their summit.