Korea-Japan Director-General Level Talks... Korea Urges Japan to Withdraw Export Restrictions

"Close Communication to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" Confirmed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the morning of the 13th, Kim Jeong-han, Director of the Asia-Pacific Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone consultation with Takizaki Shigeki, Director of the Asia and Oceania Bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, exchanging opinions on mutual interests including the COVID-19 situation in both countries.

Director Kim and Director Takizaki shared information on their respective governments' efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and domestic situations, confirming the importance of close communication between diplomatic authorities in responding to the infectious disease crisis.

Director Kim explained the COVID-19 management situation through the Korean government's proactive quarantine measures based on a high level of testing and medical capabilities, to which Director Takizaki responded by mentioning the Japanese government's quarantine efforts and the situation within Japan.

Furthermore, both directors agreed on the necessity of mutual cooperation for the safety and repatriation of their nationals residing overseas, sharing the view to continue cooperation in protecting overseas nationals.

Director Kim particularly appreciated the ongoing cooperation for the repatriation of Korean and Japanese nationals residing in third countries and expressed gratitude for the Japanese government's support for the recent urgent repatriation of Korean nationals from India.

Following this, Director Kim explained recent Korean measures including the amendment of the Foreign Trade Act and urged the Japanese government to promptly withdraw unfair export regulations, while Director Takizaki explained Japan's position. Additionally, both Director Kim and Director Takizaki mentioned their respective governments' stances on the forced labor issue.

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained, "Both directors agreed that diplomatic authorities of both countries will continue to communicate closely and consult to resolve pending issues between Korea and Japan, including these matters."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.