Park Jin: "If I meet the Japanese Prime Minister, I will convey President-elect Yoon's intention to improve Korea-Japan relations"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Park Jin, the nominee for Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated on the 26th, "If the Korea-Japan Policy Consultation Delegation meets the Japanese Prime Minister, they will convey President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol's strong will to improve Korea-Japan relations."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the same day, Park said to reporters on his way to the confirmation hearing preparation office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "I hope that a good momentum will be created for the two countries to improve relations based on coexistence and trust."

Earlier, Japanese media such as Kyodo News and Asahi Shimbun reported that the Korea-Japan Policy Consultation Delegation from President-elect Yoon's side is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at the Prime Minister's residence on the same day.

Park emphasized, "If Korea-Japan relations improve, it will greatly help enhance the Korea-US-Japan cooperation," and added, "The Biden administration in the US is also highly interested in Korea-US-Japan cooperation."

He identified historical and economic issues as the top priorities among diplomatic issues with Japan.

Park said, "I understand that the Policy Consultation Delegation discussed ways to resolve issues related to forced labor and comfort women based on a correct understanding of history and with a future-oriented approach," and added, "I hope that an opportunity to resolve these issues will be created through frank dialogue with the Japanese side."

Regarding Japan's export regulations, he said, "Korea and Japan need efforts to proactively resolve current issues within a broad framework for a future-oriented partnership."

Meanwhile, regarding the fact that the Foreign Minister's official residence has been confirmed as the Presidential residence and that he will instead use the official residence of the Chief Presidential Secretary, Park said, "I understand it is virtually confirmed," and added, "We are looking for good measures so that there will be no disruption to diplomatic events."