Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Summit Telephone Talks
May 11, 2017
On May 11, commencing at around 2:35 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held telephone talks with Mr. Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The overview of the telephone talks is as follows.
- Prime Minister Abe congratulated President Moon on his election victory, along with explaining that the ROK is an important neighbor for Japan, with which it shares strategic interests, and an amicable relationship between Japan and the ROK has been built thanks to the unceasing efforts of parties in both countries over many years. Prime Minister Abe stated that on the basis of those cumulative efforts, he intends to develop a the future-oriented Japan-ROK relationship together with President Moon.
- Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe explained that he hopes to meet with President Moon as soon as possible, and President Moon also stated that he hopes to hold a summit meeting soon. The two leaders shared the view that they will hold a meeting at an early date.
- The two leaders confirmed close cooperation on the pressing issues of North Korea, and Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to appropriately manage the bilateral relationship, including the Japan-ROK agreement on the comfort women issue.