Yoon: "Difficult Issues Remain in Korea-Japan Relations... Expect Both Sides to Make Efforts with a Forward-Looking Attitude"

Yoon-Kishida Summit Meeting at the Presidential Office

President Yoon Suk-yeol shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the expanded Korea-Japan summit held at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul on the 6th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol said during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the 6th, "There are still difficult issues remaining in Korea-Japan relations," and added, "I hope both sides will continue to work together with a forward-looking attitude so that steps toward a brighter future can be sustained."

In his opening remarks at the summit held at the Yongsan Presidential Office that afternoon, President Yoon stated, "If we join forces, next year, which marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, can be a turning point for Korea-Japan relations to take a leap forward."

President Yoon said, "Before your term ends, Prime Minister, you have come to Seoul again to clearly demonstrate your firm commitment to the development of Korea-Japan relations," and added, "I am pleased that this visit provides an opportunity to review the achievements Korea and Japan have made so far and to discuss the future direction of bilateral relations."

He continued, "Based on the strong trust between the two of us, Korea-Japan relations have greatly improved over the past year and a half," emphasizing, "The achievements we have made together with you, Prime Minister, have been the most meaningful since I took office as president."

President Yoon Suk-yeol is speaking at the expanded South Korea-Japan summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held on the 6th at the Yongsan Presidential Office in Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon said, "Intergovernmental consultative bodies in various fields, including the economy and security, have all been restored," and added, "Active communication and consultations are taking place. This year, the number of people exchanging between the two countries is expected to exceed 10 million."

He further stated, "This improvement in Korea-Japan relations has become a decisive foundation for systematizing and deepening trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan through the historic Camp David summit," emphasizing, "To continue advancing cooperation between Korea and Japan, as well as among Korea, the U.S., and Japan, it is important to maintain the positive momentum of bilateral cooperation that Prime Minister Kishida and I have built."

President Yoon referred to the recent severe human and property damage caused by Typhoon 'San-san' in Japan, saying, "On behalf of our government and people, I extend my condolences," and added, "I pray for the swift recovery of the disaster areas and the restoration of daily life, and we will always be ready to assist if our help is needed."