Prime Minister Han meets Japan's Kishida: "Improving Korea-Japan relations aligns with our common interests"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Deok-su met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the 28th and urged the improvement of Korea-Japan relations, stating that it aligns with their mutual interests.

Prime Minister Han, who visited Japan the previous day to attend the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, held a meeting with Prime Minister Kishida for about 20 minutes at the Motoakasaka State Guest House in Tokyo.

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Han said, "Korea and Japan are close neighbors and important cooperative partners who share the values of democracy and the principles of a market economy," adding, "The young people of both countries also want to understand each other."

He continued, "The new government of the Republic of Korea, launched in May, has consistently emphasized that promptly improving and developing Korea-Japan relations is in our mutual interest," stressing, "I believe a turning point for improving bilateral relations has been established."

Regarding the death of former Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Han expressed his condolences to Prime Minister Kishida, saying, "Once again, I offer my deep condolences." Prime Minister Kishida responded, "I sincerely appreciate the condolences expressed by President Yoon Seok-yeol and others from Korea."

Prime Minister Kishida stated, "I have received numerous respectful condolences from many Koreans, including President Yoon and Prime Minister Han Deok-su," expressing his gratitude, and also added, "I sincerely thank you for attending the state funeral held the previous day."

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