The leaders of Japan and South Korea met on Saturday and pledged to enhance cooperation between the two countries, saying economic and security challenges require them to step up bilateral relations.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung agreed on Saturday to closer security and economic ties ahead of Lee's planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in Tokyo to hold his first full summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in a visit largely aimed at showcasing friendly ties between the two Asian neighbors that now face common challenges from America,