Despite Past Issues Remaining... South Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers Share 'Common Will for Relationship Development'

Japanese Foreign Minister Visits South Korea for the First Time in 7 Years... Easing Diplomatic Concerns
Cho Taeyeol: "Developing Relations While Reducing Historical Fluctuations"
First Joint Press Conference in 14 Years... Emphasis on Commitment to Cooperation

The top diplomats of South Korea and Japan agreed on the need to continue developing their relationship. The visit of the Japanese Foreign Minister to South Korea, the first in seven years, helped alleviate concerns about a 'diplomatic vacuum' caused by the emergency martial law situation, and is seen as a confirmation of both countries' commitment to Korea-Japan and Korea-US-Japan cooperation on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization.

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi are holding a joint press conference of the Korea-Japan foreign ministers at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 13th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the afternoon of the 13th, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol held a Korea-Japan foreign ministers' meeting with Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, followed by a joint press conference where he stated, "We have decided to steadily develop Korea-Japan relations under any circumstances," adding, "We will deepen the achievements of past cooperation and discover new cooperative projects in various fields such as economic security, advanced science and technology, and human exchange." This is the first time in 14 years that the top diplomats of Korea and Japan have held a 'joint press conference' since the meeting between Minister Kim Sung-hwan and Foreign Minister Genba Koichiro in October 2011.

Minister Cho emphasized that even amid the global complex crisis, the two countries will cooperate closely as partners. He also expressed "strong concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations and illegal Russia-North Korea cooperation such as the dispatch of North Korean troops," and said, "We shared the view on the necessity of continued cooperation among Korea, Japan, and the three countries of Korea-US-Japan."

Foreign Minister Iwaya began by expressing condolences for the Muan Airport disaster. He emphasized, "Japan and South Korea are important neighbors who must cooperate in addressing various challenges in the international community," and added, "Although there are difficult issues, we have also built cooperation in various fields such as politics, security, economy, and culture."

Foreign Minister Iwaya reiterated the importance of Korea-US-Japan cooperation, emphasizing, "We agreed to actively respond to challenges such as economic security as the three countries." He also expressed support for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be held in Korea this year, stating, "I hope that exchanges between the peoples of both countries will become more active."

During the press conference, there were remarks regarding historical issues that have hindered the improvement of Korea-Japan relations. When asked about future responses, Minister Cho replied, "We will closely cooperate to reduce the fluctuations caused by historical issues and develop the relationship in a future-oriented manner." Regarding the disrupted Sado Mine memorial ceremony at the end of last year, he said, "We agreed to have serious and honest consultations with Japan," and "We clearly conveyed various concerns."

Foreign Minister Iwaya said, "Regarding the Sado Mine issue, Minister Cho Tae-yeol and I have repeatedly held many discussions," adding, "The Japanese government intends to continue good communication with the Korean government in accordance with the World Heritage Committee's resolution." He further stated, "It is true that difficult issues exist between Japan and Korea, but above all, it is important that the relationship continues to move forward for future generations."

Takeshi Iwaya, Japan's Foreign Minister, is speaking at the joint press conference of the foreign ministers of Korea and Japan with Cho Tae-yeol, held on the 13th at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Foreign Minister Iwaya's visit to South Korea this time is expected to help alleviate concerns about a 'diplomatic vacuum' caused by the impeachment political situation. From Japan's perspective, it was also an opportunity to clearly express its will to develop Korea-Japan relations.

However, Foreign Minister Iwaya distanced himself from commenting on South Korea's political situation. When asked about 'a change of government in Korea,' he said, "I will refrain from commenting on Korea's internal affairs," adding, "Japan and South Korea are important neighbors who must cooperate as partners in addressing various challenges, and the importance of bilateral relations has not changed at all (even during Korea's impeachment political situation), and I hope it will rather progress further."

Meanwhile, as his first schedule during the visit, Foreign Minister Iwaya paid respects at the National Seoul National Cemetery. It was reported that the Japanese side first sent an official letter expressing their wish to pay respects. This is interpreted as an intention to express the will to improve Korea-Japan relations by visiting the historically symbolic National Cemetery first. The visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to the National Cemetery is the first in about seven years since Kono Taro in April 2018. Before that, Machimura Nobutaka paid respects in November 2004.