Seoul: President Lee Jae-myung on Monday emphasized the importance of collaboration between South Korea and Japan for a better future as the two countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Lee's statement was delivered in a congratulatory video message at an event organized by the Japanese Embassy in Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee highlighted the necessity for South Korea and Japan to cooperate amid a rapidly changing global environment. He underscored the idea of "joining hands and moving toward a better future," which is the official slogan for the 60th anniversary, reflecting on the past colonial rule from 1910 to 1945.
Lee expressed optimism about building a stable and forward-looking relationship, despite not attending the event due to his participation in the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada. Speculations are rife about a possible bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the summit.
He indicated a shift from his previous hard-line stance towards Japan, focusing on maintaining positive bilateral relations. Lee aims to adopt a "two-track" strategy, separating historical issues from future cooperation efforts.
The event saw attendance from notable figures, including Second Vice Foreign Minister Kim Ji-na and Akihisa Nagashima, special adviser to Ishiba, alongside government officials, business leaders, and academics from both nations.
Nagashima, in his remarks, emphasized the necessity of close communication in the face of global challenges, highlighting cooperation in various sectors such as security, economy, energy, technology, and culture.
Japanese Ambassador to Seoul, Koichi Mizushima, reflected on the progress in bilateral exchanges over the past sixty years, including trade and cultural interactions, marking a "new starting point" for Seoul-Tokyo relations.
The event featured performances by the Seoul Japan School student choir and Korean pianist Lee Kyung-mi, alongside a historical display of a folding screen used in the treaty ratification ceremony in 1965. The latter part of the event included awards to individuals and groups contributing to bilateral relations and cultural exchange.