S. Korea’s Yoon vows cooperation with Japan even after Kishida exits

SEOUL (Kyodo) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday that he will continue to work for the future of relations with Japan regardless of who succeeds Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida next month.

During a press conference at the presidential office, Yoon said, “I would like to talk about maintaining cooperation and synergy for the future, regardless of which leader is in charge of state affairs,” referring to Kishida’s successor to be selected late next month.

When asked about Kishida’s expected visit to South Korea in early September, Yoon said the trip has not been confirmed yet but added that he is ready to welcome him.

Yoon also underscored that a new era of trilateral partnership between South Korea, the United States and Japan that was agreed at a summit in Camp David near Washington last year will continue, saying it is critically important for global economic security as well as for the Indo-Pacific area.

Under the agreement, the three countries committed to consult with each other swiftly to coordinate their responses to “provocations” and “threats,” amid China’s increasingly aggressive actions and North Korea’s escalating belligerence.

At a press conference in May to mark the second anniversary of his inauguration, Yoon noted that historical disputes may pose challenges to the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Japan but emphasized the need to move forward based on mutual trust for the sake of future generations.