Ministry of Foreign Affairs Refutes 'Diplomatic Passing over Japan' Reports: "Prior Information Sharing and Continued Cooperation... Unfounded"

"Expression of Regret: 'Reports Contrary to Facts Do Not Contribute to Protecting and Promoting National Interests'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over reports claiming it has been excluded from diplomatic consultations with Japan, so-called 'passing over,' stating that such reports are unfounded.

On the 16th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement explaining the reports, saying, "We express regret over the publication of articles that are not based on facts while whole-of-government efforts are underway with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the forefront, working as one team with the National Assembly and others to improve Korea-Japan relations."

In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs took a stance that the so-called reports of the Ministry being passed over are groundless. The Ministry emphasized, "Various high-level exchanges conducted between Korea and Japan are carried out through prior information sharing and cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," adding, "Claims of the Ministry being passed over are unfounded."

It also rebutted by stating that dialogues and consultations at all levels are being conducted closely. The Ministry said, "Dialogues and consultations between the diplomatic authorities of both countries are being conducted closely through various channels," and added, "Reports that communication channels are blocked are also not true."

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added, "We also express concern that definitive and speculative articles based only on superficial elements may not contribute to, and could rather hinder, our efforts to protect and promote national interests, which are being carried out in multiple ways amid a severe domestic and international environment."

On the 13th, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha sparked renewed controversy over 'passing over' by stating in an interview with a broadcaster regarding National Intelligence Service Director Park Jie-won's recent visit to Japan, "From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' perspective, it cannot be said that sufficient consultations took place."

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