'Abe Followed by Suga Cabinet Entry' Japanese Foreign Minister: "Forced Labor Issue, Korea Violates International Law"

Motegi Toshimitsu, Japanese Foreign Minister
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Motegi Toshimitsu, Japan's Foreign Minister who retained his position in the new cabinet of Yoshihide Suga, reiterated that the forced labor issue is a major challenge in the worsening Japan-South Korea relations and claimed once again that South Korea is violating international law.

According to NHK and other sources on the 17th, Motegi made these remarks at a press conference following the first cabinet meeting of the Suga administration the previous night. He said, "There is no doubt that the side violating international law is South Korea," but added, "However, the direction of wanting to firmly engage in dialogue and resolve the issue remains unchanged."

Motegi was appointed as Foreign Minister in September 2019 during the Shinzo Abe administration and was reappointed as Foreign Minister in the Suga cabinet.

Regarding the easing of entry restrictions related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Motegi stated, "In order to put the economy back on the recovery track, it is important to resume international human exchanges in a way that coexists with preventing the spread of infection." He added, "From now on, we will also consider lowering the risk level of infectious diseases as part of our response."