Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has stressed the importance of continued strong relations with South Korea, even as he prepares to step down from his role, Bloomberg reports.
This statement comes during his visit to Seoul, where he met with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, in an effort to solidify the recent diplomatic progress before a leadership transition in Tokyo.
During their meeting, Kishida reiterated his commitment to supporting the bilateral relationship, according to Yoon’s Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-Hyo. The two leaders signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on evacuating their citizens from third countries in case of emergency. They also agreed to explore streamlining visitor screening procedures between the two nations.
President Yoon expressed his hope for continued momentum in their cooperation, as well as progress in their trilateral partnership with the US.
Yoon and Kishida have cultivated a strong working relationship, holding 12 meetings since Yoon took office. They have worked to address long-standing issues, including trade disputes and lingering resentment stemming from Japan’s colonial rule of Korea from 1910-1945.
Kishida announced last month that he would not seek re-election as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, citing declining approval ratings due to rising living costs and a political funding scandal. The LDP’s vote on September 27 will determine his successor, who will likely become the next Japanese Prime Minister.
The upcoming leadership change in Tokyo adds uncertainty to Yoon’s foreign policy agenda. Improving ties with Japan and the US has been a key priority for Yoon’s administration as it seeks to counter threats from North Korea. This objective has taken on greater significance as the US also prepares for a new presidential election in November.
In July, defense chiefs from Japan, South Korea, and the US signed a pact on military training, further strengthening their trilateral relationship.
