Tokyo Hosts Korea-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue... Discussion on Line Yahoo and Sado Mine

"Government Position Conveyed That No Discrimination Against Korean Companies Will Occur"

At the 15th Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue held in Tokyo, Japan, the two countries discussed mutual interests such as Line Yahoo and North Korea issues.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 28th, Kim Hong-gyun, First Vice Foreign Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Masataka Okano, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, discussed major issues between Korea and Japan during the meeting and agreed to strive to continue the development of bilateral relations.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

It was reported that both sides exchanged opinions on issues such as Line Yahoo and Continental Shelf Block 7 during the meeting. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official stated, "We conveyed the government's position that there should be no unfair discrimination against the business of our companies such as Naver in this consultation as well, and the Japanese side also expressed the intention to resolve the issue through mutual understanding." Regarding the joint development agreement for Continental Shelf Block 7, which is scheduled to expire in 2028, the official said, "We have been consulting through various diplomatic channels," and added, "This time as well, we conveyed the position that this issue should be resolved on a reciprocal basis."

The two vice ministers also expressed serious concerns about the strengthening of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea, the two countries decided to strengthen military cooperation, which violates United Nations Security Council resolutions. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added that both sides agreed on the need for firm cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the United States to deter North Korea's threats amid the serious security situation, including North Korea's attempts at complex provocations.

The registration of Sado Mine as a World Cultural Heritage site was also a major issue at the meeting. With the final decision on registration by the World Heritage Committee scheduled for late next month, Korea and Japan are conducting consultations. The Korean side's position is that the entire history, including forced labor, must be faithfully reflected for the registration. A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "Both countries recognize that this issue must be resolved through consultation, and we intend to continue further discussions."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The two vice ministers also agreed to closely cooperate to advance bilateral relations in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization next year. Vice Minister Okano mentioned that as important neighboring countries, the two sides should strengthen cooperation based on the results of this discussion, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that he evaluated this Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue as "an opportunity to exchange in-depth opinions not only on bilateral relations but also on regional and global issues."

Meanwhile, after the meeting, Vice Minister Kim paid a courtesy visit to Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko. Both sides agreed to maintain close communication between diplomatic authorities to promote the development of Korea-Japan relations.

The Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue was resumed last October after nine years as a follow-up to the Korea-Japan summit. This meeting was held about eight months after the 14th meeting. Vice Minister Kim said, "The Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue is a consultation that deals more with regional situations and global issues than bilateral issues," and added, "The fact that it was conducted substantively means that the Korea-Japan Vice Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue has been fully normalized."