Japanese Prime Minister Kishida: "President Yoon and I Share the Policy of Early Resolution on Forced Labor"

President Yoon Suk-yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Korea-Japan summit held at a hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on the 13th (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 13th (local time) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, that he shares the intention to promptly resolve the forced labor issue with President Yoon Suk-yeol.

According to local media, Prime Minister Kishida made this statement to reporters after the Korea-Japan summit held that day. Kishida cited the "accelerating consultations between diplomatic authorities" as the basis for this. He also conveyed that he and President Yoon agreed on promoting cooperation to realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

Regarding the US-Japan summit, he explained, "We agreed with US President Joe Biden to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the US-Japan alliance." He also expressed his determination to significantly increase defense spending to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and support this, and conveyed that he received strong support from President Biden.