"President Lee Sends Special Greetings to Japanese Prime Minister"
On July 29, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun held her first bilateral foreign ministers' meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi in Tokyo, Japan, reaffirming their commitment to cooperation.
Minister Cho, who visited Japan before her trip to the United States on the 30th, stated during her opening remarks at the Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting held at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs that afternoon, "The Lee Jaemyung administration seeks to strengthen relations with allied nations based on pragmatism in its foreign policy."
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Takashi Iwaya shake hands ahead of the Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Japan, on the 29th. Photo by Yonhap News
Minister Cho explained, "Although the international situation is challenging, I believe that if allied nations closely cooperate and communicate to develop external strategies together, we can not only overcome crises but also turn them into opportunities."
She continued, "Yesterday, I attended a meeting presided over by President Lee Jaemyung. When I mentioned that I would be visiting Japan today, he asked me to convey his special regards to Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and encouraged us to ensure that this first foreign ministers' meeting is held successfully."
Earlier that day, just before her departure, Minister Cho told reporters that during the Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting, she would deliver President Lee's strong commitment to restoring shuttle diplomacy.
Foreign Minister Iwaya welcomed Minister Cho's first visit to Japan since taking office, stating, "In the current strategic environment, the importance of Korea-Japan relations and Korea-US-Japan cooperation is increasing."
He added, "Since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration, including today's meeting, there has been close communication between the governments of Korea and Japan. The two countries must also work closely together on various issues, including those in the Indo-Pacific region."
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