First Call Between South Korea and Japan Foreign Ministers... "Concerns Over North Korea-Russia Illegal Military Cooperation"

Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol is having a phone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko on the 23rd. (Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan held a phone call on the 23rd and agreed to closely cooperate in response to North Korea's provocations going forward.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Cho Tae-yeol had his first phone call, which also served as a congratulatory greeting on his appointment, with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko from 5:35 PM for 35 minutes.

Both ministers expressed concern over North Korea's aggressive rhetoric and provocations that are heightening tensions in the region, as well as the ongoing illegal military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

They agreed to lead a firm and united response from the international community through close cooperation between South Korea and Japan, as well as among South Korea, the United States, and Japan.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the two ministers shared the view that the need for cooperation between the two countries on regional and global issues is increasing amid the severe international situation.

They also evaluated the institutionalization of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan at a high level through last year's Camp David summit. In particular, since the three countries will simultaneously serve as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council this year, they agreed to continue strengthening cooperation momentum on international platforms such as the UN.

Minister Kamikawa sincerely congratulated Minister Cho on his appointment and expressed gratitude for the South Korean government's humanitarian aid provided for recovery from the recent Ishikawa earthquake.

Minister Cho once again expressed condolences for the damage caused by the Ishikawa earthquake.

The two ministers evaluated that South Korea-Japan relations have been normalized and trust restored through close communication, including seven summit meetings and six foreign minister meetings last year.

After President Yoon Seok-yeol approved his appointment on the 10th, Minister Cho had his first phone call since taking office with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the 11th. He is also coordinating phone calls with foreign ministers of countries other than the United States and Japan.

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