Japanese Prime Minister: "Will Maintain Close Communication Regarding Summit Meeting with President Yoon"

Prime Minister's Office Emphasizes to Reporters

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed his position that the South Korean government's solution to compensation for forced labor during the Japanese colonial period contributes to the development of Japan-South Korea relations. He also stated that efforts are being made for a summit meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol.

On the evening of the same day at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I evaluate the South Korean government's measures as aimed at restoring Japan-South Korea relations to a sound relationship," and emphasized once again, "This overall inherits the positions of past cabinets regarding historical awareness, including the 1998 Japan-South Korea Joint Declaration."

Regarding the summit with President Yoon, he said, "I will continue to make efforts to communicate closely with President Yoon," but added, "No specific diplomatic schedule has been decided."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Kyodo News reported that "President Yoon is coordinating to visit Japan this month for a meeting with Prime Minister Kishida," and that "a visit to Japan on the 16th to 17th is emerging as a possibility."

During his attendance at the House of Councillors Budget Committee on the same day, Prime Minister Kishida responded, "I evaluate this as an effort to restore Japan-South Korea relations to a sound relationship," and said, "South Korea is an important neighboring country with which we must cooperate in responding to various challenges in the international community."

He continued, "Based on the current strategic environment, it is necessary to strengthen strategic cooperation between Japan and South Korea, as well as trilateral cooperation among Japan, South Korea, and the United States," and said, "I intend to develop Japan-South Korea relations while maintaining close communication with President Yoon Suk-yeol going forward."