EU also "Welcomes Improvement of Korea-Japan Relations and Establishment of Future-Oriented Relations"
The U.S. Department of State has repeatedly expressed its welcome for the historic decision made by the South Korean government to resolve the issue of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period.
Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a briefing on the 6th (local time), "Discussions on the sensitive historical issues between the governments of South Korea and Japan have reached a conclusion."
Price stated, "We encourage both South Korea and Japan to take steps to advance their bilateral relationship," adding, "South Korea and the United States are the two most important allies in the Indo-Pacific, and strengthening their relationship leads to progress toward our shared goals."
He said, "The trilateral relationship among South Korea, the United States, and Japan is at the core of the shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," and added, "We look forward to continuing to strengthen this trilateral partnership to build a more prosperous world."
The Biden administration has held about 25 high-level trilateral meetings to strengthen the South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral relationship since taking office.
He also highly praised the determination of President Yoon Seok-yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. He said, "Historical issues are complex and difficult, but President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida have shown a bold vision," and added, "They have demonstrated courageous leadership in taking a step forward."
Price explained, "The South Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral relationship is essential for the values we share," and added, "While its importance can be mentioned in terms of the challenges posed by North Korea, it is an issue that goes beyond that." He emphasized, "As partners, we will assist in any way we can to help both countries take further actions."
Regarding Japan's initiation of the process to lift export restrictions on South Korean companies, Price said, "We support any efforts to advance South Korea-Japan relations." When asked whether he believes an apology from the Japanese government is necessary, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "That is a question for South Korea and Japan."
About the meeting between Kim Sung-han, Director of the National Security Office of South Korea, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during Kim's visit to the U.S., he said, "They will discuss cooperation between the two countries, support for Ukraine, economic security, and other matters."
Earlier, the South Korean government officially announced a solution to have a domestic foundation pay the court-ordered compensation to victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period, following the Supreme Court's final ruling. President Biden welcomed the announcement in a statement, saying, "The announcements by South Korea and Japan will mark a new chapter of cooperation and partnership between America's closest allies."
On the same day, the European Union (EU) also expressed its welcome for the South Korean government's decision to propose a solution to the forced labor issue during the Japanese colonial period.
The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic service, stated in a press release, "We welcome the important measures announced today as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan and to build a forward-looking relationship." It added, "South Korea and Japan are very important and strategic countries for the EU," emphasizing, "Close cooperation between South Korea and Japan is a key pillar in strengthening the rules-based international order and promoting freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region."
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