South Korea Confirms Coordination with Japan for Prime Minister Kishida’s Visit
Seoul, August 25, 2024 -The South Korean presidential office, known as the Presidential Secretariat, has confirmed that Seoul and Tokyo are currently coordinating a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishidato South Korea next month. This confirmation comes in response to reports from Japanese media outlets, which cited diplomatic sources indicating Kishida’s potential trip.
ThePresidential Secretariat, in a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency, stated that both countries are engaged in communication and coordination regarding the visit. While initially stating that there was no concrete plan following the initial reports, the confirmation of ongoing coordinationsuggests that the visit is progressing towards a concrete date.
Kishida’s potential visit is seen as a significant step in improving relations between South Korea and Japan, which have been strained in recent years over historical issues, particularly the issueof wartime forced labor.
According to Japanese news agency Kyodo News, Kishida is considering visiting South Korea in early September. The visit would coincide with the Prime Minister’s decision to not run for re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. This decision is believed to be motivated by a desireto meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol before stepping down, allowing for a final assessment of the progress made in mending bilateral ties.
The two leaders have already met on several occasions, including at the NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, in July. Their last meeting took place in November 2023 in San Francisco, where they embraced in a gesture of reconciliation.
If Kishida’s visit materializes, it would mark the twelfth meeting between the two leaders since they assumed office. The visit is expected to focus on further strengthening bilateral ties, addressing outstanding issues, and exploring areas of cooperation.
The recent efforts to improve relations between South Korea and Japan have been welcomed by international observers. The two countries, as key players in the region, are seen as crucial partners in addressing shared challenges, including North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and regional security concerns.
While the visit is still under coordination, the confirmationof ongoing discussions between Seoul and Tokyo indicates a positive step towards further strengthening bilateral relations. The visit, if successful, could pave the way for a more stable and cooperative relationship between the two neighboring countries.
【来源】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240825001300881?section=politics/index&input=rss
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