SEOUL: Japanese Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed Sunday to accelerate the momentum toward improved ties as the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of normalization of bilateral relations next year.

At their meeting in Seoul, Kishida and Yoon agreed to strengthen coordination among Japan, the United States and South Korea to address threats from North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.

Kishida told Yoon that he wants to enhance coordination between Japan and South Korea to maintain and strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific. Yoon said he is willing to work together with Japan to elevate relations between the two countries to a higher level.

The two leaders agreed that Tokyo and Seoul will start talks as early as next month to strengthen supply chains for hydrogen and ammonia, according to the South Korean government.

Yoon, referring to a controversial review of ties between Japanese messaging app operator LY Corp. and South Korean technology firm Naver Corp., said it is necessary to manage the matter to prevent it from becoming a source of dispute between the two countries. Kishida said Japan will closely communicate with South Korea on the matter.

Kishida and Yoon also agreed to continue their “shuttle diplomacy,” or mutual visits to each other’s country.

Kishida calls for stable Japan-China ties

Meanwhile, Kishida stressed the need to stabilize relations between Tokyo and Beijing during a meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul Sunday.

Stabilizing Japan-China relations is beneficial to the region and international community, Kishida told Li.

Li said he wants Japan and China to make efforts to manage differences and build constructive and stable relations.

JIJI Press