Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the summit a “major step forward” in rebuilding security and economic ties, and in overcoming a century of difficult history between the two countries.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shake hands before their bilateral meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan, on March 16, 2023. Photo: AP
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol both emphasized the importance of improving relations as they opened their summit, which took place just hours after North Korea's missile launch.
In his opening remarks, Kishida said the meeting would mark the resumption of regular visits between leaders, which had been suspended for more than a decade.
He said in a joint press conference that the countries had agreed to resume defense dialogue and vice-ministerial-level strategic talks, and to restart trilateral communication between Japan, South Korea, and China.
The two leaders agreed that “strengthening Japan-South Korea relations is an urgent task in the current strategic environment,” Kishida added.
Mr. Yoon said Thursday's meeting "was particularly significant because it showed the people of both countries that South Korea-Japan relations are on a new beginning after being hampered by many issues."
A view of the Japan-South Korea summit in Tokyo, Japan, on March 16, 2023. Photo: Yonhap
Mr. Yoon said the two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as security, economics, and people-to-people exchanges. Previously, Japan and South Korea have had a long-standing dispute over Japan's occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945 and several maritime territorial disputes.
The U.S. said it supported the meeting between leaders Kishida and Yoon. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “The U.S. will continue to support Japan and South Korea as they take steps to translate this new understanding into lasting progress.”
Hours before the summit began, South Korean Trade Minister Lee Chang-yang said Japan had agreed to lift export controls on South Korea following talks this week, and that South Korea would withdraw its complaint to the World Trade Organization once the restrictions were lifted.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it acknowledged the improvement in South Korea's export controls following negotiations and, due to Seoul's decision to drop its WTO lawsuit, Japan has decided to lift restrictions on South Korea.
Bui Huy (according to AP, Kyodo, Yonhap)
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