Park Jin Conveys Willingness to Improve Korea-Japan Relations in Meeting with Prime Minister Kishida

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Foreign Minister Park Jin stated on the 19th that he met with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and conveyed President Yoon Suk-yeol's will to improve Korea-Japan relations.

On the same day, Minister Park visited the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo and met with Prime Minister Kishida for about 20 minutes to discuss the direction of improving Korea-Japan relations.

After the meeting, Minister Park met with reporters at a hotel in Tokyo and introduced the verbal message from President Yoon that he conveyed to Prime Minister Kishida.

In this message, President Yoon said, “Taking advantage of the NATO summit in Spain, I had several encounters with Prime Minister Kishida and became confident that he is a trustworthy partner with whom we can work together to develop friendly and cooperative relations between Korea and Japan,” adding, “I expect that this visit by the Foreign Minister to Japan will accelerate the flow of improvement and restoration of bilateral relations.”

He also added, “I hope to communicate closely and cooperate with the Prime Minister going forward.”

Regarding the passing of former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, who was shot and killed during an election campaign, President Yoon said, “On behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Korea, I sincerely pray for the repose of the deceased and express condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family of former Prime Minister Abe and the Japanese people.”

Minister Park said, “Prime Minister Kishida listened to the President’s message with a very serious attitude,” and “Prime Minister Kishida said that he had a good conversation with President Yoon at the NATO summit in Spain and hopes that such dialogue will continue in the future.”

Minister Park also introduced that Prime Minister Kishida expressed special gratitude for the condolences on the death of former Prime Minister Abe.

Minister Park stated, “I told Prime Minister Kishida that I hope the two leaders will meet again at a convenient time and have a good conversation to create a new Korea-Japan relationship.”

He added, “There is no confirmed schedule for the (bilateral summit),” and “Once the outlines of solutions to various pending issues are established and a consensus is formed between Korea and Japan, a summit will naturally take place.”