Cho Hyun-dong, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Holds 90-Minute Bilateral Talks with Mori Takeo, Vice Minister of Japan's Foreign Affairs
In-Depth Discussions on Forced Labor, North Korea Nuclear Issues, and Other Bilateral Matters
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] It is reported that the deputy foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan have reached a consensus regarding compensation measures for forced labor.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 26th, Cho Hyun-dong, the First Vice Foreign Minister of South Korea, who visited Japan the previous day to attend the Korea-US-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held a 90-minute bilateral meeting with Takeo Mori, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
In this bilateral meeting, the North Korean nuclear issue and compensation measures for forced labor were key agenda items. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release, "The deputy ministers of both countries shared the recognition that North Korea's strengthening of nuclear and missile activities is a clear and serious challenge to the international community," and "They evaluated the communication between the two countries following North Korea's ballistic missile launch over Japanese airspace and agreed to continue close coordination among Korea, Japan, and the US."
In particular, the deputy foreign ministers exchanged in-depth opinions not only on regional security issues but also on the major bilateral issue of compensation for forced laborers.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The discussions held at the public-private consultative body were faithfully conveyed to Japan," and "It was emphasized that a sincere response from Japan is necessary."
However, it is reported that no specific measures were discussed during this meeting. The official explained that regarding the subrogation payment or the so-called 'coexisting debt assumption' plan, which have been mentioned as ways to implement the Supreme Court's compensation ruling, "None of these were consolidated and discussed exclusively."
Furthermore, the Korea-Japan deputy foreign ministers shared concerns about North Korea's threatening provocations and discussed ways to strengthen Korea-US-Japan cooperation.
Vice Foreign Minister Cho emphasized President Yoon Suk-yeol's mention in his National Assembly policy speech that the Korea-US combined defense posture and Korea-US-Japan security cooperation would strengthen deterrence against North Korea, and Deputy Minister Mori expressed agreement and support for this.
Additionally, both sides evaluated the restoration of the foundation for people-to-people exchanges, such as the resumption of mutual visa exemptions, and proposed to work together to revitalize exchanges by increasing flight routes and other measures.
South Korea and Japan are accelerating discussions to find solutions for improving relations at various diplomatic levels, including the summit held on the occasion of the UN General Assembly in September, foreign ministers' meetings, and director-general level consultations.
It is also reported that during this meeting, there was talk of small-scale multilateral cooperation between the two countries to respond to various issues.
Meanwhile, Vice Foreign Minister Cho, along with Wendy Sherman, US Deputy Secretary of State, visited Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi the previous day.
Foreign Minister Hayashi evaluated the close relationship among the Korea-US deputy foreign ministers and Deputy Minister Mori and reaffirmed the need for Korea, the US, and Japan to continue strengthening coordination.
They also shared serious concerns about Russia's indication of possible use of nuclear weapons following its invasion of Ukraine.
On the 26th, Vice Foreign Minister Cho will also discuss trilateral cooperation measures to deter North Korean provocations at the Korea-US-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
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