Possibility of Korea-US-Japan Summit... Core Agenda 'Security', Likely to Address North Korea Issues
[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] The possibility of a 'brief meeting' between the South Korean and Japanese leaders is increasing at the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit to be held in Madrid, Spain on the 29th and 30th. Although it will not be a formal meeting but a low-profile meeting held beside the main conference room, it is reported that both leaders clearly intend to improve bilateral relations. Since it is an informal setting, it is expected to be an opportunity to confirm a consensus for future formal talks rather than to raise sensitive issues.
According to the Blue House on the 23rd, as President Yoon Suk-yeol will attend the NATO summit as the first South Korean leader, the likelihood of a brief meeting between the South Korean and Japanese leaders is gaining weight. A Blue House official said, "Nothing has been decided yet, but even a short meeting that is not for formal talks could become a meaningful opportunity."
Political circles analyze that a formal summit between South Korea and Japan at this NATO summit has become virtually impossible. With less than a week remaining, both governments must hold talks with major world leaders in succession, and discussing sensitive issues in a third country or on the sidelines of another meeting raises high political and diplomatic concerns.
On the other hand, the burden is greatly reduced with a brief meeting, which could create momentum for exchanging concrete issues between South Korea and Japan in the future. Another Blue House official also explained, "The South Korean and Japanese leaders are ready to open their hearts and improve relations," adding, "Since the inauguration, both governments have definitely formed a consensus to work together to solve the piled-up issues."
Because of this, sensitive topics such as compensation for forced labor companies and the abrogation of the comfort women agreement are unlikely to be addressed in the brief meeting. However, they may exchange messages about arranging a venue to find solutions to major issues. The South Korean and Japanese leaders have already confirmed two formal meetings: the trilateral summit with the United States and Japan, and the four-party meeting with South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
The core agenda at the trilateral summit with the United States and Japan, where the two leaders will meet, is also the politically less burdensome issue of 'security.' It is expected to be an opportunity to confirm cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile development. The Japanese government is also reportedly seeking to strengthen ties with South Korea through multilateral summits involving South Korea to counter North Korea and China. U.S. President Joe Biden also sees the need to strengthen cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan to check China. At the joint press conference after the South Korea-U.S. summit on May 21, he emphasized, "It is important for South Korea, the United States, and Japan to maintain a very close trilateral relationship economically and militarily."
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