President Moon: "Let's find the best solution for forced labor issue" First call with Japanese Prime Minister Suga

Moon "A close friend and partner for peace and prosperity"
Suga "Hopes to build a future-oriented relationship"

President Moon Jae-in is having a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga at the Blue House on the morning of the 24th.

President Moon Jae-in said on the 24th to Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, "It is true that there are differences in the positions of the two countries regarding forced labor," but added, "I hope that the governments of both countries and all parties involved will work together to find the best solution that everyone can accept."

President Moon made these remarks during his first phone call with Prime Minister Suga, which lasted about 20 minutes starting at 11 a.m., according to a briefing by Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok.

This was the first phone call between the leaders of South Korea and Japan in nine months since the call between President Moon and former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in December last year. The two leaders confirmed their willingness to resolve issues, including the forced labor problem, which is a core issue in Korea-Japan conflicts, through dialogue.

President Moon said, "With Prime Minister Suga's inauguration, let us accelerate communication efforts with a renewed mindset to resolve pending issues such as forced labor," and Prime Minister Suga also agreed to encourage dialogue efforts to resolve the issues, Kang said.

The two leaders expressed their welcome for the upcoming agreement on special entry procedures for essential personnel such as businesspeople between Korea and Japan. They also expected that the special entry procedures would serve as a turning point for the resumption of human exchanges between the two countries and contribute to the development of bilateral relations, Kang added.

President Moon congratulated Prime Minister Suga on his inauguration as the 99th Prime Minister of Japan and evaluated, "Korea and Japan are closest friends sharing fundamental values and strategic interests, and partners who must work together for peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the world."

In response, Prime Minister Suga said, "Although Korea-Japan relations are in a difficult situation due to various issues stemming from historical matters, I hope to build future-oriented bilateral relations together with President Moon."

Additionally, President Moon and Prime Minister Suga pledged close cooperation between the two countries for the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

Prime Minister Suga expressed gratitude to President Moon for South Korea's support regarding the issue of Japanese abductees and requested continued interest.

President Moon replied, "We will support and back Japan's related efforts."

Finally, President Moon said, "We were able to exchange candid opinions today," and Prime Minister Suga also greeted, "I am glad for the frank exchange of views," as the two leaders concluded the call.