Japan’s parliament on Tuesday elected Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister, ending weeks of political uncertainty following Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) formed a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP) after its 26-year partnership with Komeito collapsed, giving Takaichi a narrow mandate to lead Japan’s 104th cabinet.

South Korea’s foreign ministry saidit would “communicate closely with Japan’s new Cabinet” and continue working toward “future-oriented relations.” Takaichi, 64, a conservative lawmaker and long-time ally of the late Shinzo Abe, has pledged to strengthen Japan’s defenses, maintain fiscal discipline and uphold the