Seoul: The top diplomats of South Korea and Japan met on Monday to discuss sustaining positive momentum in bilateral relations and advancing trilateral cooperation with the United States. This meeting comes ahead of the anticipated inauguration of Donald Trump's second administration.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting marked the first direct interaction between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Japanese counterpart, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, since South Korea entered a political crisis following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over a brief imposition of martial law. The two ministers were scheduled to hold a joint press conference post-discussion, with Cho hosting a dinner banquet for Iwaya and his delegation.
Before the meeting, Iwaya paid his respects at the Seoul National Cemetery and met with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik to deliberate on bilateral matters. Iwaya's visit to Seoul is significant as it is the first by a Japanese foreign minister in nearly seven years, with plans to meet acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday.
The discussions aimed to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to trilateral cooperation with the U.S., especially as Trump's second term, commencing on January 20, brings uncertainties regarding the future of this partnership due to his known apprehension towards multilateralism. The historic Camp David trilateral summit in August 2023 involved the leaders of these nations, but with new leadership in Washington and Tokyo, and Seoul currently under an acting president, the political dynamics have shifted.
On the bilateral front, the ministers intended to discuss strategies to maintain the improving relations since Yoon's tenure began. Notably, in March 2023, Yoon announced that South Korea would compensate its victims of Japan's wartime forced labor without financial input from the responsible Japanese companies. This decision has rekindled "shuttle diplomacy," facilitating regular visits and exchanges at governmental and private sector levels.
The talks were also expected to focus on preparations for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral relations, undeterred by South Korea's internal political challenges. Additionally, plans to facilitate a trilateral summit involving China were likely on the agenda, with Japan hosting this year's meeting.
Iwaya's visit, following outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul last week, underscores South Korea's national stability despite its political upheaval. Both Japan and the United States have expressed faith in South Korea's democratic processes.
Cho and Iwaya last met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Peru last November. Iwaya is on a four-day tour that will also take him to the Philippines and Palau.