Key Figures from Korea and Japan Gather for Anniversary Event
On June 19, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba attended a reception in Tokyo hosted by the Korean Embassy in Japan to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan.
The event, held at the New Otani Hotel Tokyo, was attended by key figures from both countries, including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Joo Ho-young, who serves as President of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union, and former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, President of the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union.
Prime Minister Ishiba had just returned the previous day from Canada, where he held his first summit meeting with President Lee Jaemyung on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.
During their meeting, President Lee and Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed their commitment to resuming "shuttle diplomacy," with regular reciprocal visits between the two countries. They also agreed to lay the foundation for a solid and mature Korea-Japan relationship in celebration of the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties.
Prime Minister Ishiba's attendance at the event is seen as a demonstration of his intention to continue the momentum for improving Korea-Japan relations. He has consistently emphasized that "Japan and Korea are important neighboring countries that must cooperate as partners on various issues facing the international community."
Previously, President Lee did not attend the celebratory event hosted by the Japanese Embassy in Seoul on June 16 due to his G7 summit schedule, but he sent a video message instead.
In his video message, President Lee stated, "Amid rapidly changing international circumstances, our two countries are important partners that must seek ways to respond together. I hope that, based on our achievements and progress so far, Korea-Japan relations will continue to develop in a stable and future-oriented manner."
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