The Japanese government is considering inviting President Yoon Suk-yeol to the Group of Seven (G7) summit scheduled to be held in Hiroshima from May 19 to 21.
According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on the 7th, Japan is reviewing the invitation of South Korea to strengthen ties with countries that share values such as democracy and the rule of law, in response to North Korea's continued nuclear and missile provocations, China's increasing hegemonic actions, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Yomiuri explained, "The South Korean side is also strongly hoping to participate in the G7 summit," adding, "If participation is decided, it will be a good opportunity to announce the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries both domestically and internationally."
It continued, "Unlike the previous Moon Jae-in administration, the Yoon Suk-yeol government is promoting improved relations with Japan and trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan," and "In the Indo-Pacific strategy announced at the end of last year, it emphasized the importance of 'peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,' aligning with the United States and Japan."
Previously, Japan also invited South Korea to the Group of Eight (G8) summit held in Toyako, Hokkaido in 2008.
However, Yomiuri predicted that the issue of compensation for forced labor victims during Japanese colonial rule would be a key factor in South Korea's invitation. Currently, the victims' side demands participation in funding from Japanese defendant companies and apologies from the Japanese government and companies, but the Japanese government maintains the position that the compensation issue was already resolved under the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement.
Yomiuri stated, "The Japanese government does not recognize the South Korean Supreme Court's compensation orders and maintains the stance that it hopes the South Korean government will resolve the issue," adding, "It will make a final decision on the invitation after closely observing South Korea's response going forward."
Meanwhile, Japan is also seriously considering inviting leaders from Quad countries (the United States, Japan, Australia, and India) such as Australia and India to this G7 summit.
Australia is a 'quasi-ally' of Japan, and India is the chair country of the Group of Twenty (G20) this year. Yomiuri analyzed, "Inviting Australia and India to the G7 summit could strengthen the relations among the four countries."
It is also known that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a strong desire to attend the G7 summit. Yomiuri reported that the most likely option is for President Zelensky to participate in an online format.
Earlier, on the 6th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke with President Zelensky, strongly condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine and stating that Japan would play an active role as the G7 chair country.
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