Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Telephone Talk between Prime Minister Kishida and President-elect of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk Yeol
On March 11, commencing at 10:30 am for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. YOON Suk Yeol, President-elect of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The overview of the talk is as follows:
Prime Minister Kishida once again extended his congratulations to President-elect Yoon on his victory in the presidential election. Prime Minister Kishida then stated that Japan and the ROK are important neighboring countries to each other and that when the international community is confronted with epoch-making changes, sound Japan-ROK relations are indispensable in realizing a rules-based international order and ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that Japan-ROK-U.S. trilateral coordination is important.
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan-ROK relations need to be developed based on the foundation of our friendly and cooperative relationship that has been built since the normalization of our diplomatic ties in 1965. In this regard, Prime Minister Kishida expressed our expectation for President-elect Yoon’s leadership and our willingness to cooperate with him closely to improve Japan-ROK relations.
In response, President-elect Yoon expressed his sympathies as today marks 11 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and conveyed that he values Japan-ROK relations and is willing to cooperate together to improve the relations.
Both sides also shared the view to coordinate closely in dealing with North Korea, including nuclear and missile issues such as the recent launches of ICBM-class ballistic missiles and the abductions issue.