In an effort to close a chapter on historical disputes that have dominated Japan-South Korea relations for decades, Japan's Prime Minister Yoon made the first formal talks involving a Japanese leader in Seoul in over ten years. At the summit, Yoon said that South Korea-Japan ties are progressing at a fast speed and that dialogue has been moving dynamically for the past two months.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in South Korea for a two-day visit to meet President Yoon Suk Yeol, marking the first visit by a Japanese leader to Seoul in 12 years. This meeting is viewed as the latest step towards thawing tensions rooted in their wartime history.
The focus of this historic summit between these two US allies was expected to revolve around security cooperation in response to North Korea’s nuclear threats. The pledge to boost cooperation between Japan and South Korea has been welcomed by the United States as it sees this partnership as critical when confronting threats from North Korea and competition from China.
During their meeting on Sunday, leaders of both countries pushed for closer ties with each other alongside their shared regional ally - The United States - aiming to counter what they perceive as "a serious threat to peace" posed by North Korea. Agreeing upon "essential" trilateral cooperation involving the US against North Korean nuclear threats showcased progress between both nations.
Mr. Yoon reciprocated this sentiment by expressing his openness toward including Japan within a recently agreed-upon nuclear planning framework with America. Furthermore, both nations aim for expanded trilateral cooperation beyond just security matters.
South Korea is not part of G7 but received an invitation from Japan as one of eight outreach nations. This gesture prompted Mr.Yoon's invitation extended towards President Kishida regarding attending Group Seven (G7) Summit scheduled later this month in Tokyo along with participating within trilateral talks with the US on the sidelines.
As South Korean media closely monitored proceedings, they anticipated whether Prime Minister Kishida would make a direct apology for Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule during his visit. Overall, this summit signifies an important step forward in strengthening ties between these two East Asian powerhouses and has been welcomed by their mutual ally, the United States.