Lee Dowoon Spokesperson Briefing
General Assessment Is That New Cooperation Channel Has Opened
Active Response Requested from Japanese PM Kishida
On Opposition Criticism: "Disappointing... Criticism Should Be Intellectual and Research-Based"
The Presidential Office on the 19th described the Korea-Japan summit held in Tokyo, Japan during President Yoon Suk-yeol's visit from the 16th to 17th as a "great success."
Lee Do-woon, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, stated at a briefing held at the Yongsan Presidential Office that afternoon, "If diplomacy is about opening the other party's heart and changing the game in bilateral or multilateral relations, then President Yoon's diplomatic visit to Japan was a great success."
As the basis for this success, the spokesperson said, "There is a common assessment not only in both Korea and Japan but also in the international community that this was an important starting point for transforming Korea-Japan relations into a future-oriented direction," and added, "The general evaluation is that a new channel of cooperation has been opened between the political circles, economic and industrial sectors, and especially among future generations."
The spokesperson also emphasized, "Although the visit to Japan lasted only two days, the Korean government has gained a relatively advantageous position in Korea-Japan relations, and an atmosphere has been created where it can take a leading position in international relations," and "An unusual consensus in public opinion between the two countries has been formed in the bilateral relationship."
He also called for active response from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The spokesperson said, "We need to see how follow-up measures will be implemented in the future, but if Prime Minister Kishida responds appropriately, Korea, Japan, and the three countries of Korea, the U.S., and Japan will be able to take the lead in security and economic changes not only on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia but also in the international community," adding, "As of today, President Yoon is receiving great attention, but through follow-up actions by the Japanese government, we hope Prime Minister Kishida will also receive attention."
Regarding the critical public opinion domestically, the spokesperson said, "Criticism of government policies is the role of the opposition party and is respected. However, looking at the criticism from the opposition during this visit and continuing yesterday and today, there are some disappointing or regrettable points," and pointed out, "The public is concerned that they may be raising too narrow issues or turning them into political controversies with excessive terms without understanding the big flow of history or the larger framework of the international order."
He urged the opposition party to also participate in future diplomatic schedules to Japan with ruling party lawmakers. The spokesperson added, "If the opposition criticizes government policies and diplomatic policies through more intellectual research and analysis, and with consideration for the interests of the people and future generations, I believe more productive discussions between the ruling and opposition parties will continue."
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