Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru emphasized that the importance of Korea-Japan relations remains unchanged despite the impeachment political turmoil in our country. He stated that they will maintain close communication regarding the 60th anniversary exchange projects of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and especially focus on youth exchanges.
On the 28th, during the House of Representatives (lower house) plenary session, Prime Minister Ishiba responded to a question about Korea-Japan relations from Kazuhiko Shigetoku, a member of the Constitutional Democratic Party, the main opposition party, saying, "Although there are difficult issues due to changes in South Korea's internal affairs, the importance of bilateral relations under the current strategic environment remains unchanged," and added, "Japan and South Korea are important neighboring countries that must cooperate in addressing various challenges in the international community."
He also mentioned the exchange projects for the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic normalization this year. He said, "We have mutually confirmed that preparations will be promoted from the perspective of importance to the peoples and future of both countries, and especially agreed to further support youth exchanges who will bear the future," and stated, "We will continue to maintain close communication with the Korean side."
Regarding the pre-entry inspection system, the Japanese government is reportedly considering introducing a pre-entry inspection system where Japanese immigration officers are dispatched to airports in South Korea to conduct pre-entry inspections using Japanese entry documents, fingerprints, photos, etc., and upon arrival in Japan, only a simple identity verification is conducted. In response, Prime Minister Ishiba explained, "We are continuing to review this while communicating with the Korean side about what kind of measures are possible as one of the steps to support exchanges between the peoples."
Member Shigetoku urged the Ishiba Cabinet, saying, "Although South Korea's political sphere is shaken on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization, good Korea-Japan relations must be maintained by all means to respond to the security environment in Northeast Asia."
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