South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met in Andong on Tuesday to expand cooperation on oil and LNG [1].
The summit comes as both nations seek to stabilize energy security and strengthen supply-chain collaboration in response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East [1].
This meeting marks the third "hometown shuttle diplomacy" encounter between the two leaders [1]. It is the fourth time the two have met since President Lee took office [1]. The visit follows a previous summit held in Nara, Japan, in January 2026 [1].
Prime Minister Kishida arrived at Daegu International Airport before traveling to Andong, North Gyeongsang Province [1]. The location is significant as it is the hometown of President Lee. Kishida said he was pleased to visit the president's hometown [1].
President Lee said that it is the first time in history that leaders of the two countries have visited each other's hometowns [1]. The leaders used the occasion to confirm their mutual trust through the shuttle diplomacy framework [1].
Beyond the symbolic nature of the location, the leaders focused on practical energy strategies. They agreed to increase cooperation to overcome the challenges posed by the Middle East situation [1]. This includes expanding the coordination of oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to ensure regional stability [1].
“"Two leaders confirmed their trust through shuttle diplomacy and agreed to increase supply chain cooperation to overcome the Middle East situation."”
The shift toward 'hometown shuttle diplomacy' suggests a strategic effort to personalize the diplomatic relationship between Seoul and Tokyo. By focusing on energy security and LNG cooperation, both nations are attempting to reduce their vulnerability to geopolitical volatility in the Middle East, signaling a move toward a more integrated regional energy defense strategy.
