Japan-Republic of Korea Relations
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 21, 2024
On February 21, commencing at 11:10 a.m. (local time. 11:10 p.m. on February 21, Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Cho Tae-yul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), during her visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The summary of the meeting is as follows.
- Congratulating Minister Cho on his taking office, Minister Kamikawa stated that she was delighted to meet him in person and she looked forward to having discussions together at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan-ROK relations have made significant strides since last year under the leadership of the two leaders and that she is eager to further broaden cooperation in a wide range of fields and deepen bilateral coordination this year. The two ministers discussed issues of interest in bilateral relations and concurred on continuing close communication, bearing in mind that next year marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of the Japan-ROK relations. Furthermore, both ministers welcomed the active communication between their Foreign Ministries on a variety of policy areas, and concurred on scheduling Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, Security Dialogue and other meetings which were resumed last year at an appropriate time during this year.
- Minister Kamikawa expressed strong regret regarding the Hitachi Zosen case, as it inflicts unjustifiable damages and costs on the said company. Minister Kamikawa also reiterated Japan’s longstanding position on Takeshima.
- The two ministers exchanged their views on North Korea, which continues provocative actions, and concurred to continue to work together. They confirmed close cooperation on North Korea’s human right issues, including the abductions issue.