Tokyo: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is set to conclude a two-day visit to Japan on Sunday before heading to Washington for his first face-to-face summit with US President Donald Trump.

According to Anadolu Agency, in Tokyo, Lee met Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Saturday. The discussions focused on boosting cooperation on global trade and security, as well as strengthening trilateral ties with the US. Lee emphasized Japan's role as a "neighbor sharing the front yard" and an "indispensable partner," underscoring the importance of selecting Japan as his first summit destination. Before departing, Lee will meet with Japanese lawmakers.

In Washington, Lee will engage in his first direct talks with Trump. The discussions will center on trade and security, following a July tariff deal between the two nations. The leaders are also anticipated to finalize a trade agreement that reduces US tariffs on South Korean goods from 25% to 15% in return for Seoul's $350 billion investment commitments.

After the summit, Lee is scheduled to participate in a business roundtable, deliver a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and visit the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. He will then return to Seoul.

South Korea remains one of the oldest military allies of the US in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 28,500 American troops stationed there under a defense treaty.