Japan's Suga: "If President Moon visits Japan, it is natural to respond politely in diplomacy"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on the 8th that if President Moon Jae-in visits Japan in line with the Tokyo Olympics, "it is naturally recognized as appropriate to respond politely in diplomacy."

Prime Minister Suga made this remark at a press conference after presiding over a COVID-19 task force meeting at his official residence that day. However, when asked whether he intended to hold a summit if President Moon visits Japan, he prefaced by saying, "I understand that it has not yet been decided who from Korea will attend the opening ceremony."

The Korea-Japan summit has not been held as Japan has effectively expressed refusal amid conflicts between the two countries over historical issues.

At the press conference, Prime Minister Suga stated, "The current Korea-Japan relations are in a very difficult situation due to issues such as former Korean Peninsula laborers (forced labor victims) and comfort women," and added, "It is important for Korea to take responsibility and respond to resolve the pending issues between the two countries."

He also added, "Our position remains unchanged that we will continue to strongly demand appropriate responses from the Korean side."

Furthermore, Prime Minister Suga reiterated his determination to proceed with the Games, saying, "Now, when we are facing the great difficulty of COVID-19, it is the time for the world to unite, and I want to send a message from Tokyo that humanity can overcome this crisis through our efforts."

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