Deputy Minister Choi Jong-geon Holds First Meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Korea... Urges Swift Withdrawal of Export Restrictions

Face-to-face Meeting with Xing Haiming, Chinese Ambassador to Korea... "Efforts to Develop Korea-China Relations to a Higher Level"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] On the 7th, Choi Jong-geon, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, held separate 40-minute meetings with Koji Domita, Ambassador of Japan to Korea, and Xing Haiming, Ambassador of China to Korea, to exchange congratulatory greetings on their appointments and broadly discuss overall Korea-Japan and Korea-China relations.

Vice Minister Choi and Ambassador Domita agreed that the upcoming period is very important for Korea-Japan relations and reaffirmed that, despite changes in the Japanese political landscape, they will seek to resolve bilateral issues through dialogue, as confirmed at the Korea-Japan summit at the end of last year.

Regarding the forced labor issue, Vice Minister Choi stated that while respecting the judiciary's decision, it is necessary for the diplomatic authorities of Korea and Japan to pool wisdom in the process of seeking a method acceptable to the victims. He also urged the prompt withdrawal of Japan's export control measures. In response, Ambassador Domita explained the Japanese government's existing position.

Furthermore, Vice Minister Choi and Ambassador Xing evaluated the close communication maintained at various levels, including between the heads of state, despite the COVID-19 situation, and agreed to continue working together so that the two countries can overcome the COVID-19 pandemic well and develop Korea-China relations to a higher level.

Vice Minister Choi assessed that exchanges between the peoples of the two countries have continued through the establishment and operation of the 'Korea-China Fast Track' under the COVID-19 situation, and requested China's continued interest and active cooperation to improve convenience for Korean nationals entering China. Ambassador Xing expressed agreement with Vice Minister Choi's assessment and responded that he will actively strive to support the smooth expansion of exchanges between the peoples of the two countries in the future.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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