"We Must Continue Close Communication"
On June 19, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that South Korea and Japan are facing many common challenges, noting, "There are many areas where we can cooperate and where we must cooperate."
Prime Minister Ishiba attended a reception in Tokyo hosted by the Korean Embassy in Japan to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. He reflected on the significance of the anniversary, saying, "There have been various phases between the two countries, but there has always been extensive exchange accumulated between us."
He added, "This year is also an opportunity to reflect anew on the next 60 years," and expressed optimism about the future, saying, "I see a bright future in the natural exchanges taking place among the younger generations." He emphasized that the two governments should continue close communication based on the foundations built so far, so that the bilateral relationship can develop stably.
Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned that he met President Lee Jaemyung for the first time in Canada on the occasion of the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit, and said, "We were able to have a very good discussion, aligning our perspectives for the stable development of Korea-Japan relations."
He stated, "Japan and South Korea are facing many common challenges, such as low birth rates, population decline, and regional stagnation," and reiterated, "By sharing our insights, there are many areas where we can cooperate and where we must cooperate."
He went on to say, "I would like to broaden the foundation of Korea-Japan cooperation and pass on the venues for exchange that we have built so far to the next generation," and urged, "Let us take a new step forward together toward a better future."
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