President Yoon Talks with Japanese Prime Minister... "Cooperation to Improve Korea-Japan Relations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reportedly had a phone conversation with President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol on the morning of the 11th, according to NHK and Kyodo News. Prime Minister Kishida is the second foreign leader to speak with President-elect Yoon, following U.S. President Joe Biden.

President-elect Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida spoke for about 15 minutes starting at 10:30 a.m. that day. The two leaders reached a consensus on cooperation to improve Korea-Japan relations.

Prime Minister Kishida told President-elect Yoon, "Korea and Japan are important neighboring countries to each other. Amid significant changes facing the international community, a sound Korea-Japan relationship is indispensable for upholding a rules-based international order and securing peace and stability in the region and the world. Furthermore, trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan is important."

He added, "I look forward to President-elect Yoon's leadership" and "I want to cooperate together to improve Korea-Japan relations."

President-elect Yoon responded by saying, "I value Korea-Japan relations and will cooperate to improve them," according to Prime Minister Kishida.

The two also agreed to closely cooperate on issues including North Korea's missile and nuclear development, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea.

Local media reported that "President-elect Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida also agreed on the idea of meeting as soon as possible."

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