Yoon and Kishida "Cooperation on Global Issues... Visit to Korean Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial, Important for Peace"

G7 Summit Occasion Korea-Japan Summit
Yoon "Kishida's Mention of Forced Labor Resonates with Korean Public"
Kishida "Three Meetings in Two Months, Progress in Summit Relations"

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 21st that he hopes to engage in in-depth mutual discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on ways to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, not only regarding the development direction of bilateral relations based on deep trust but also on responses to global issues.

In his opening remarks at the Korea-Japan summit held in Hiroshima, Japan, on the 21st, President Yoon expressed his expectation that "based on the results of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, cooperation between Korea and Japan on global agendas, including economic security, will deepen further."

Regarding the start of the last day of the G7 summit with a joint visit by Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon to the memorial for Korean atomic bomb victims, he emphasized the significance by saying, "This is the first time the leaders of the two countries have visited the memorial together, and it is also the first time a Korean president has paid respects at the memorial."

President Yoon said, "Our joint visit today will be remembered as a courageous act by our prime minister to honor the Korean atomic bomb victims and to prepare for a peaceful future."

He added, "During his last visit to Korea, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his heartfelt sorrow over the painful and tragic experiences of forced labor victims under harsh conditions, which resonated deeply with the people of the Republic of Korea. I believe the prime minister’s courage and determination to show sincerity are very precious."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Kishida expressed gratitude for President Yoon’s attendance at the G7 summit and highlighted the importance of the joint visit by the Korea-Japan leaders to the Korean atomic bomb victims memorial in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park from the perspective of world peace.

Prime Minister Kishida said, "Following your warm hospitality during your previous visit, I sincerely thank you for attending the expanded session of the G7 summit this time as well. Having held our third meeting within two months clearly demonstrates progress in Korea-Japan relations."

Regarding the joint memorial visit, he emphasized, "Just a moment ago, I was able to offer prayers at the Korean atomic bomb victims memorial together with President Yoon and his spouse. I believe this was important both for bilateral relations and from the perspective of honoring world peace." He added, "After the summit, I hope to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and offer prayers together at the memorial in the Peace Memorial Park with other leaders as well."

Furthermore, he expressed hope, saying, "I hope we can exchange views on the direction Korea-Japan relations should take and various cooperation measures on global challenges, taking advantage of the G7 summit."

[Image source=Yonhap News]