Will Japanese PM Sustain Good Ties with Seoul?

Tokyo, July 30 (NationPress) South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun engaged in discussions with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Wednesday, where the Japanese leader reiterated his commitment to sustain and enhance positive relations with Seoul.

Ishiba expressed these sentiments during a brief 15-minute meeting at the prime minister's residence, as reported by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi in a press briefing.

"In fostering and building upon the positive momentum in South Korea-Japan relations, I also aim to promote cooperation among South Korea, the US, and Japan," Ishiba was quoted as stating.

Hayashi noted that since the establishment of the Lee Jae Myung administration, the two nations have been closely communicating, referring to South Korea and Japan as "critical neighbors and partners" in various global matters.

Cho arrived in Tokyo for his inaugural overseas visit since assuming office last week. Following this, he is set to head directly to Washington for discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (US time).

On the previous day, Cho had discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, during which he underscored South Korea's commitment to strengthen bonds with "friendly nations" under the Lee government, indicating a desire to maintain the improving bilateral relations with Japan.

In a following meeting with South Korean journalists in Tokyo, the foreign minister expressed to Japanese officials the importance of developing bilateral connections in a progressive perspective, as reported by Yonhap.

Cho expressed optimism that a significant initial step in South Korea-Japan relations has been effectively taken amidst rapidly evolving global circumstances.

Both sides recognized the necessity for South Korea-US-Japan collaboration, although further specifics need to be clarified, the minister remarked.

While in Washington, Cho intends to discuss trilateral cooperation and propose detailed collaborations between Seoul and Washington concerning technology, including artificial intelligence, as part of efforts to finalize a tariff agreement.

"I will strive for a smooth resolution of the deal," he stated.

A senior official from the foreign ministry, requesting anonymity, mentioned that there have been no "missteps or complications" during the ongoing tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington, suggesting that a final agreement may be achieved before the August 1 deadline, when reciprocal US duties are expected to come into effect.

The official also indicated that a summit between Lee and Ishiba could occur at any moment, though the precise timing remains uncertain due to the prevailing political environment in Japan.