Video Conference Between Korean and Japanese Foreign Directors Discusses Allowing Business Visits and More

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the afternoon of the 1st, Kim Jeong-han, Director of the Asia-Pacific Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a video conference with Takizaki Shigeki, Director of the Asia and Oceania Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to exchange views on mutual interests.

Director Kim and Director Takizaki exchanged opinions on the efforts of the Korean and Japanese governments to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the domestic situations, and shared recognition of the importance of close communication and cooperation between the two governments to eradicate infectious diseases.

Director Kim explained the Korean government's proactive quarantine measures based on a high level of testing and medical capabilities, and the current status of COVID-19 containment. In response, Director Takizaki also mentioned the Japanese government's quarantine efforts and the situation within Japan. Director Kim particularly emphasized the need to balance strengthened quarantine measures for COVID-19 response with allowing humanitarian visits and essential visits by Korean businesspeople.

Furthermore, Director Kim reiterated Korea's position on the forced labor issue and urged the prompt withdrawal of Japan's export control measures. Director Takizaki conveyed the Japanese government's stance on these issues.

Meanwhile, Director Kim urged Japan to faithfully implement measures to understand the fact that many Koreans and others were mobilized against their will and forced to perform labor under harsh conditions, as promised to the international community, regarding the Industrial Heritage Information Center that opened on the 31st of last month, and to honor the victims.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "The two directors agreed to continue communication and consultations between the diplomatic authorities of both countries to resolve Korea-Japan issues, including these."