Choi Jong-geon, 1st Vice Foreign Minister, Meets with Aiboshi, Japanese Ambassador to Korea, on the 26th (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Koichi Aiboshi, the newly appointed Ambassador of Japan to Korea, visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building on the morning of the 26th to submit a copy of his letter of credence and met with First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-geon.

This is the first time Ambassador Aiboshi has met with senior officials of the Korean government since his appointment. Upon arriving in Korea on the 12th, Ambassador Aiboshi entered quarantine as a COVID-19 preventive measure and completed his quarantine on this day, beginning his external activities.

Vice Minister Choi emphasized that smooth communication between diplomatic authorities is crucial, especially when bilateral relations are difficult, and expressed the intention to maintain close communication going forward.

Ambassador Aiboshi stated that he will strive to contribute to the restoration of human exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan as COVID-19 stabilizes during his tenure.

Ambassador Aiboshi explained the Japanese government's position on the Korean court rulings regarding forced labor and the Japanese military comfort women, and Vice Minister Choi also explained the Korean government's stance.

Japan claims that these rulings violate international law by holding responsibility for matters already resolved through the Korea-Japan Claims Agreement and the comfort women agreement, while the Korean government respects the judiciary's rulings and is seeking solutions to improve Korea-Japan relations.

Vice Minister Choi stressed the importance of resolving various issues step by step without linking them together, and urged expanding future-oriented cooperation based on the principle of treating historical issues and Korea-Japan cooperation separately.

After the meeting, Ambassador Aiboshi introduced himself to reporters in Korean, saying, "I am Aiboshi, the new Ambassador of Japan to Korea, succeeding Ambassador Domita."

He added, "Today, I delivered a copy of my letter of credence and exchanged brief greetings. There will probably be another opportunity to speak at a more appropriate occasion later, but I will not say more today."

Ambassador Aiboshi began his diplomatic career in 1983, and this is his third assignment in Korea. In March 1999, he served as First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Korea, and in August 2006, he was appointed Minister. Until recently, he served as Ambassador to Israel.

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