South Korean Ambassador to Japan Hopes Leaders of Both Countries Will Meet and Hold Talks Soon After New Administration Inaugurated

Many Commonalities Between South Korea and Japan

Park Cheolhee, South Korea's ambassador to Japan, said that after a new president is decided, "I hope the leaders of South Korea and Japan can meet and hold talks as soon as possible," according to a report by the Mainichi Shimbun on June 2.

In an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun, Ambassador Park stated, "The premise that everything in the South Korea-Japan relationship will change just because there is a change of administration is incorrect," expressing this view.

He explained, "South Korea and Japan share many similarities, such as their security environment, their relationship with the United States, and the fact that both countries are economically lacking in energy resources," adding, "If we do not cooperate, both sides will suffer losses."

Regarding the increased uncertainty in the international trade environment following the inauguration of the Donald Trump administration in the United States, he said, "We have no choice but to negotiate based on our national interests, persuading the United States with patience," and added, "Since free trade serves the national interests of both South Korea and Japan, we must cooperate to maintain the free trade system."

Ambassador Park emphasized, "The foundation of South Korea-Japan relations is grassroots exchange," and explained that the number of mutual visitors between the two countries exceeded 12 million last year.

Regarding some arguments in South Korea advocating for nuclear development, he remarked, "As long as the United States provides a credible extended deterrence, independent nuclear development is not a desirable option."