Yoon Calls for Concrete Steps to Strengthen Korea-Japan Ties Following Summit
Seoul, September 10, 2024 – South Korean PresidentYoon Suk-yeol has urged relevant government departments to actively implement measures following the recent summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, emphasizing the need for tangibleimprovements in bilateral relations.
During a cabinet meeting held at the presidential office in Yongsan, Yoon stressed the importance of advancing cooperative projects and establishing intergovernmental dialoguemechanisms to ensure the Korean people can directly experience the positive effects of the improved relationship.
The summit served as a catalyst for signing a Memorandum of Understanding on the protection of overseas citizens and simplifying entry and exit procedures for citizens of both countries, Yoon stated. These measures will significantly enhance the safety and convenience of Korean citizens traveling to Japan.
Yoon highlighted the progress made in bilateral relations since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties in March 2023, citing the12th Korea-Japan summit as a significant milestone. The summit has revived all previously stalled intergovernmental consultation mechanisms, he said.
He further emphasized the collaborative efforts in various fields, including diplomacy, defense, economy, high technology, education, and personnel exchanges. Notably, Japan lifted its export restrictions onkey semiconductor materials for South Korea, and both countries have re-included each other on their respective export whitelists.
Yoon also mentioned the resumption of the currency swap agreement after an eight-year hiatus and the establishment of new dialogue mechanisms on economic security and hydrogen energy cooperation. These initiatives aim to foster collaboration in supplychains and advanced technologies.
The president expressed optimism about the potential for a record-breaking 10 million people traveling between the two countries this year, indicating a significant increase in personnel exchanges.
The summit, held in Seoul on September 6, marked a significant step in the ongoing efforts to mend the strained relationshipbetween the two neighboring countries. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including historical disputes, economic cooperation, and regional security.
The summit also saw the signing of several agreements, including the aforementioned MOU on the protection of overseas citizens, a joint declaration on cooperation in the field of space exploration, and a memorandumof understanding on cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
The Korean government’s focus on tangible improvements in bilateral relations reflects a growing public demand for a more pragmatic approach to dealing with Japan. While historical issues remain a sensitive topic, the focus on economic cooperation and practical measures to benefit citizens is seen as a positive steptowards a more stable and cooperative relationship.
The success of the summit and the subsequent implementation of concrete measures will be crucial in determining the long-term trajectory of Korea-Japan relations. The Korean people will be closely watching to see if the government’s efforts translate into tangible benefits for their lives.
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