South Korea's FM Cho Commits to Collaborate with Japan on Wartime History Tensions
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Synopsis
On January 13, South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul emphasized the commitment to working with Japan to alleviate tensions stemming from wartime history issues, aiming for a future-oriented bilateral relationship. The discussions with Japan's Takeshi Iwaya marked a significant step in improving relations between the neighboring countries.
Key Takeaways
- Cho Tae-yul emphasizes collaboration with Japan.
- Focus on reducing tensions from wartime history.
- Commitment to future-oriented bilateral relations.
- Concerns raised over North Korea's military threats.
- First meeting between Cho and Iwaya in years.
Seoul, Jan 13 (NationPress) South Korea is committed to strengthening its collaboration with Japan to mitigate the 'magnitude' of tensions stemming from persistent wartime history issues and to ensure that bilateral relations progress in a future-oriented direction, stated the nation’s chief diplomat on Monday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made these statements following discussions with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya, underscoring the necessity of fostering connections with the neighboring nation "regardless of the circumstances."
"We will work hand in hand to cultivate future-oriented relations (with Japan), while alleviating the magnitude of tensions arising from historical matters," Cho remarked during the joint press briefing.
"We consented to engage in sincere and transparent discussions with the Japanese side to guarantee that the memorial ceremony truly provides solace to the victims and becomes a significant event that honors the historical context," he added.
Recent tensions escalated after South Korea abstained from a memorial ceremony in Japan in November for Korean individuals coerced into hard labor at Japan's Sado mine complex during World War II, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Seoul expressed its dissatisfaction that Tokyo did not conduct the event in a manner that would 'genuinely' pay tribute to the victims as requested.
The resurgence of tensions surrounding historical issues raised alarms about the potential negative impact on the bilateral relationship that has significantly improved under the current administration of Yoon Suk Yeol.
Cho also mentioned that he clearly communicated Seoul's 'concerns' during the discussions with Iwaya.
"We agreed to progress our bilateral relations steadfastly under any circumstances," Cho reiterated.
Iwaya responded that Japan will take measures in accordance with the commitments made upon the site's UNESCO listing.
During the press conference, Iwaya emphasized the significance of enhancing Japan's relations with South Korea, along with their trilateral cooperation with the United States, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"I aim to clearly convey to the new US administration that the strategic partnership among Japan, South Korea, and the United States is more crucial than ever," he stated, indicating the possibility of his attendance at the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump next week.
Monday's discussions marked the first direct meeting between Cho and Iwaya since South Korea faced a political crisis following President Yoon's impeachment related to a brief imposition of martial law.
While not commenting on South Korea's political landscape, Iwaya characterized the two nations as "essential neighbors that must collaborate as partners" to address various international challenges.
"The significance of our bilateral relations remains unchanged," he asserted.
Both Iwaya and Cho expressed optimism that the two countries could revive the 'shuttle diplomacy' between their leaders, a reference to the regular visits that resumed between Yoon and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida amid improving relations.
Bilateral ties between Seoul and Tokyo have notably warmed following Yoon's announcement in March 2023 that South Korea would compensate its victims of Japan's wartime forced labor without financial contributions from accountable Japanese companies.
The two ministers also discussed arrangements for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, anticipating that it will further foster positive momentum in their relationship.
They expressed "grave concerns" regarding North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile threats and its growing military connections with Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops to assist Moscow in its conflict against Ukraine.
They denounced North Korea's unlawful military activities and reaffirmed their commitment to tight coordination in addressing these issues.
Following the press conference, Cho hosted a dinner banquet for Iwaya and his team.
Before meeting with Cho, Iwaya visited the Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects and met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik to discuss bilateral matters.
Iwaya's two-day visit to Seoul is significant as it marks the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister in nearly seven years. He is also scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday.
Iwaya's trip is part of a four-day tour this week that will also take him to the Philippines and Palau.
