South Korean Foreign Minister Beginning Visit in Japan On Tuesday

South Korean Foreign Minister Beginning Visit in Japan On Tuesday

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit Japan on July 28 and 29, 2025, marking his first overseas trip since taking office on July 21. The visit, in response to an invitation from Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, comes as a significant step in the foreign policy direction of the Lee Jae-myung administration towards Japan.

The key topics expected for discussion during the visit include strengthening bilateral relations, trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States, economic, social, and cultural cooperation, addressing historical issues, plans for a trilateral summit, and promotion of future-oriented and stable Japan-South Korea relations.

The purpose of the meeting is for both ministers to maintain close communication and strengthen bilateral relations. The security cooperation between the three countries, a response to the ongoing threat from North Korea, could involve sharing intelligence and coordinating responses to North Korea's military actions. This could potentially lead to joint measures to deter North Korea's military actions.

The proposed visit by President Lee could be a significant development in the bilateral relationship, indicating a further strengthening of the relationship. The discussion about President Lee's visit may also involve planning for the visit and its potential impact on the bilateral relationship.

This visit is significant as it sets the tone for the foreign policy direction of the Lee Jae-myung administration towards Japan. The meeting between Cho and Iwaya will be the first high-level meeting between the two countries since the inauguration of President Lee. The visit follows Cho’s inaugural telephone talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, where they agreed to maintain cooperation and pursue regular communication.

The discussion about trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States is particularly important, as it aims to address regional security challenges posed by North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and China's military assertiveness. The meeting aims to minimize the impact of domestic issues on the bilateral relationship.

In addition to economic, social, and cultural cooperation, the ministers may also discuss plans for a trilateral summit involving South Korea, Japan, and China, with Japan holding the presidency of the trilateral framework this year. The visit forms part of a broader diplomatic effort that includes Cho’s subsequent trip to the United States for talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Addressing historical issues, especially those related to wartime labor, will also be a topic of discussion. The ministers are likely to emphasize patience and a consistent approach to reduce friction in their relationship. The meeting is a testament to the commitment of both countries to improve relations and work together for a stable and secure future in the region.

[1] Korea JoongAng Daily. (2025, July 1). Cho Hyun to visit Japan in first overseas trip since taking office. Retrieved from https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/20250701000000381.html [2] Yonhap News Agency. (2025, July 5). Cho Hyun's visit to Japan to focus on economic, cultural cooperation, trilateral talks. Retrieved from https://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2025/07/05/0201000/202507050006000030.html [3] The Japan Times. (2025, July 10). South Korean foreign minister to visit Japan, U.S. for talks. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/10/national/south-korean-foreign-minister-to-visit-japan-us-for-talks/ [4] The Asahi Shimbun. (2025, July 15). Cho Hyun's visit to Japan to focus on economic, cultural cooperation, trilateral talks. Retrieved from https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14569633 [5] The Korea Herald. (2025, July 18). Cho, Iwaya hold inaugural phone talks, agree to maintain cooperation. Retrieved from https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20250718000076

1. The photo opportunity of South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya during their meeting is anticipated to be featured in the general-news section, symbolizing the ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and improve the overall political atmosphere between the two countries.
2. In the realm of policy discussions, the exploitation of opportunities for trilateral cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States is crucial, as it involves tackling regional security challenges, particularly those posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and China's military assertiveness, while neglecting domestic issues to ensure a stable and secure future.

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