Yoon and Kishida "Cooperation on Global Issues... Hope for Progress in Direct Flights and Supply Chain Collaboration" (Comprehensive)

G7 Summit Occasion Korea-Japan Summit
Strengthening ROK-US-Japan Cooperation on Global Issues and North Korea Nuclear Threat
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 to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, "I hope that based on deep trust, we can have in-depth mutual discussions on the direction of development in bilateral relations as well as ways to respond to global issues through solidarity and cooperation." Specifically, issues such as the resumption of direct flights between Korea and Hiroshima, the smooth operation of the Korea-Japan Future Partnership Fund, and progress in supply chain and advanced technology cooperation were also brought to the meeting table.

In his opening remarks at the Korea-Japan summit held in Hiroshima, Japan on the 21st, President Yoon said, "Based on the results of the Group of Seven (G7) summit, I expect cooperation between Korea and Japan to deepen further on global agendas including economic security."

The two leaders welcomed the fact that they were able to hold another summit less than two weeks after President Yoon’s visit to Japan in March and Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Korea on the 7th, highlighting the active communication that has taken place three times over the past two months.

Presidential spokesperson Lee Do-woon conveyed in a written briefing that President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida evaluated that bilateral relations are reaching a turning point not only in diplomacy and security but also in economy, industry, science and technology, culture and arts, and human exchanges, and agreed to continue close cooperation at all levels to produce concrete results going forward.

President Yoon congratulated, "Under Prime Minister Kishida’s leadership, the Hiroshima G7 meeting is being successfully conducted." Regarding Korea-Japan relations, he mentioned the resumption of direct flights including Korea-Hiroshima, the smooth operation of the Korea-Japan Future Partnership Fund, and progress in supply chain and advanced technology cooperation.

Furthermore, the two leaders agreed to continue shuttle diplomacy between the heads of state whenever opportunities arise.

The two leaders exchanged views on the direction of Korea-Japan relations and various cooperation measures on global challenges in light of the G7 summit.

President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida shared the view that "a free and open international order based on the rule of law should be emphasized, and many countries that value freedom should unite their intentions."

They also agreed on the need to further strengthen close cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan amid the serious regional situation with escalating North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding President Yoon’s visit to the Korean atomic bomb victim memorial with Prime Minister Kishida before the Korea-Japan summit on the same day, it was noted that "this is the first time the two leaders have visited the memorial together, and it is also the first time a Korean president has visited and paid respects at the memorial," highlighting its significance.

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

He added, "During his last visit to Korea, Prime Minister Kishida’s words expressing heartfelt sorrow over the harsh and painful experiences of forced labor victims deeply resonated with the Korean people. I believe the Prime Minister’s courage and determination to show sincerity are very precious."

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

Prime Minister Kishida said, "Following the warm hospitality extended last time, I sincerely thank you for attending the expanded session of this G7 summit as well. Having the third meeting with President Yoon 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 pray at the Korean atomic bomb victim 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 meeting, I hope to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and pray together at the Peace Memorial Park memorial with other leaders as well."

[Image source=Yonhap News]