South Korean Foreign Minister's Planned Journey to Japan Begins This Tuesday
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is currently on his first overseas trip, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations with Japan and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan and the United States against North Korea's military threat. This visit, which takes place from July 28 to 29, is a significant step towards improving relations between the two nations.
During his talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, various topics are expected to be discussed, including maintaining close communication to minimize the impact of domestic issues on bilateral ties, advancing security cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the U.S., particularly in relation to North Korea, and details of U.S.-Japan tariff negotiations relevant to South Korea and Japan.
The visit also includes a discussion about reviving shuttle diplomacy, a method of reciprocal visits by leaders to improve bilateral dialogue and cooperation. Additionally, broader cooperation on regional and Indo-Pacific strategic issues is expected, reflecting the growing importance of trilateral ties.
The potential visit by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to Japan is not yet confirmed, but it may be discussed during the meeting. This visit, if it were to occur, would further symbolize President Lee's foreign policy priority on relations with Japan early in his administration.
The security cooperation among the three countries is a key focus of the meeting. Ministers are likely to confirm advancing security cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and the United States to counter North Korea's military threat.
This visit comes after the inauguration of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in June and is a sign of the new South Korean government's emphasis on diplomacy with Japan. The meeting between the ministers is expected to address various aspects of bilateral relations, including potential future visits.
The meeting aims to strengthen bilateral relations between South Korea and Japan, and both ministers are expected to emphasize the value of close ties and ongoing cooperation during their talks. A working dinner has been scheduled, where both ministers will further discuss these matters.
The visit is at the request of both Japanese and South Korean governments, and it marks Cho's first overseas trip since taking office on July 21. The meeting between the ministers may also include a discussion about a future visit by the South Korean President to Japan, which could be a potential development in bilateral relations.
- The South Korean Foreign Minister and Japanese Foreign Minister might discuss the ongoing photography and documentation of their meetings as part of the general news media coverage of their diplomatic efforts, aiming to showcase the strengthening of bilitary relations.
- In the realm of political discussions, both Ministers could reiterate their commitment to upholding a policy of close collaboration between South Korea and Japan, particularly in enhancing trilateral security cooperation against North Korea's military threat, and might review the progress of such policies during their talks.
