Kishida: "I will have an honest exchange of opinions with Yoon"

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his intention to "exchange candid opinions based on a relationship of trust" regarding the Korea-Japan summit.

After the South Korea-Japan summit held in Tokyo, Japan last March, President Yoon Suk-yeol (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are holding a press conference. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Kyodo News reported on the 7th that Prime Minister Kishida made this statement in response to reporters' questions at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo before his departure.

Prime Minister Kishida mentioned that dialogues between the Korean and Japanese governments have resumed in various fields such as finance and defense, and said, "I will further develop this momentum."

On the day, Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to depart from Tokyo Haneda Airport around 9:30 a.m. and arrive at Seoul Airport around 11:50 a.m. Afterwards, he plans to visit the National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, to lay a wreath. A Japanese government official explained that it is natural for the head of state of one country to visit the memorial facilities of the host country and pay respects to the lives of many people related to that country's history. The official added, "Prime Minister Kishida also wishes to express respect for those (buried in the cemetery) in Korean history."

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Kishida plans to hold a summit meeting with President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Yongsan Presidential Office and then hold a joint press conference.