Seoul: South Korea will work closely with Japan to reduce the "amplitude" of tensions caused by longstanding wartime history issues, to ensure bilateral relations will move forward in a future-oriented manner, Seoul's top diplomat said Monday. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made the remarks after talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, stressing the importance of enhancing ties with the neighbor "under any circumstances."
According to Yonhap News Agency, tensions heightened after South Korea boycotted a Japan-hosted memorial ceremony in November for Korean victims who were forced into hard labor at Japan's Sado mine complex during World War II. Seoul protested that Tokyo failed to hold the event in a way that would "sincerely" honor the victims as it had requested. The flare-up of fresh tensions over the history sparked concerns it would negatively affect the bilateral ties that have warmed significantly under the current Yoon Suk Yeol government.
"We will work closely to develop future-oriented relations (with Japan), while reducing the amplitude of tensions caused by historical issues," Cho said at the joint press conference, when asked about how the two countries plan to address such issues going forward. "We agreed to have sincere and honest consultations with the Japanese side to ensure that the memorial ceremony genuinely comforts the victims and becomes an event that remembers the historical significance," Cho said. Cho also said that he delivered Seoul's "concerns" clearly during the talks with Iwaya.
"We agreed to advance our bilateral relations unwaveringly under any circumstances," Cho added. Echoing Cho's remarks, Iwaya highlighted the importance of enhancing Japan's relations with South Korea, as well as their trilateral cooperation with the United States. "When conditions permit, we hope that we can revive the shuttle diplomacy between our leaders," Iwaya said, referring to the regular visits that resumed between Yoon and former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida amid the thaw in the bilateral ties.
Monday's talks marked the first one-on-one meeting between the two top diplomats since South Korea became embroiled in a political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his short-lived martial law imposition. Before meeting with Cho, Iwaya visited Seoul National Cemetery to pay his respects and met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik to discuss bilateral relations. Iwaya's two-day trip to Seoul marks the first visit by a Japanese foreign minister in nearly seven years. He was expected to pay a courtesy call on acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday. Iwaya is on a four-day tour this week that will also take him to the Philippines and Palau.