Japan and South Korea Strengthen Ties Amid Historical Differences

Outgoing Japanese Prime‍ Minister Fumio Kishida Meets with South Korean President Yoon​ Suk-yeol

Outgoing‍ Japanese Prime Minister Fumio‍ Kishida met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday for‍ final talks, aiming⁣ to ⁣strengthen ties between the two countries before he leaves office.

The ‍two countries have ‍historical differences, including issues of sex slavery‍ and forced ⁤labor during Japan’s⁤ occupation of the Korean peninsula ‌between 1910 and⁣ 1945.

However, in⁣ recent years,‍ President Yoon ‌has sought to improve‌ relations, reviving​ regular talks with Kishida and increasing military cooperation in the face of the growing ​threat from nuclear-armed North Korea.

President Yoon stated, ​”Based on the strong trust⁤ between our two countries, relations between Korea and Japan have improved⁢ significantly over the​ past year and a half.” He added, “There are still difficult issues in the relationship between Korea and Japan.‌ I look forward to working together moving forward ⁢so that our steps can lead to​ a bright future.”

Prime Minister Kishida expressed his regret for⁤ the‌ past,‌ saying his ⁤”heart breaks” to think that‍ many people⁤ have experienced “sad and difficult ⁢times” ⁤in “such a difficult ⁣environment,” referring to victims of the historic ‌conflict.

Kishida emphasized ‌the importance of cooperation with ‍North​ Korea in the future, stating that although the⁢ two countries “have a history … it is very important to inherit the efforts of our ⁢forefathers ‍and⁢ cooperate with North Korea in the future who have overcome difficult times.”

Agreements and Cooperation

During the meeting, the two leaders signed ​an‌ agreement to facilitate​ the⁤ evacuation of nationals from⁣ both⁢ countries in case of an incident ⁣in a third country⁣ and to​ simplify the immigration process.

They also stressed the importance of cooperation​ between Korea, Japan, and the United States in responding to the North Korean nuclear issue. Last ‌year, President Yoon and ‌Prime Minister‍ Kishida met with ⁤US​ President‌ Joe Biden at Camp David ⁣to ⁤improve their joint⁣ response to North Korea.

The two leaders decided to‍ maintain their preparedness to prevent provocations by Russia-backed North Korea. Japanese media reported that⁢ Kishida may also make⁢ a final visit to Washington before resigning.

Future of Relations

Prime Minister ​Kishida⁣ has announced he will not seek re-election as ⁣leader of the long-ruling Liberal Democratic‌ Party when his term expires this⁢ month. The Conservative Party is​ expected to⁤ elect a new leader on‌ September ​27.

Experts view Kishida’s visit⁤ as a significant ⁢step in improving ‌relations between the two countries. Choi Yoon-mi, a researcher⁤ at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies,⁢ stated that Kishida’s visit ⁢shows ⁤his “desire and effort to continue the momentum of development of relations⁢ between the two⁤ countries.”

The visit is seen as a ⁤message to the⁣ next prime minister to‍ continue this effort,⁤ ensuring the progress⁣ made in ‍improving relations‌ between Japan and South Korea will continue in⁣ the future.