Press Releases
Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and H.E. Mr. Kwon Youngse, Minister of Unification of the Republic of Korea
March 23, 2023
On March 23, commencing at 10:10 a.m., Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting (for approximately 40 minutes) with H.E. Mr. KWON Youngse, Minister of Unification of the Republic of Korea, who is visiting Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi appreciated the visit of H.E. Mr. YOON Suk Yeol, President of the Republic of Korea, to Japan last week and stated that the two leaders had a fruitful discussion and concurred to facilitate smooth communication between the two governments, and that he was pleased to meet with Minister Kwon right after the President’s visit to Japan.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on North Korea and shared a recognition that North Korea’s ballistic missiles launches with an unprecedented frequency and in unprecedented manners not only constitute a grave and imminent threat to the regional security but also pose a clear and serious challenge to the international community.
- The two Ministers affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues. In addition, Minister Hayashi asked for continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained support from Minister Kwon.