The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Wednesday (December 11) that Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul had a phone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. They reached a consensus on strengthening trilateral cooperation between the United States, Japan, and South Korea to jointly address the escalating tensions in North Korea.
According to reports from the South Korean news agency, the call between the two foreign ministers lasted for about 20 minutes. Cho Tae-yul briefed on the current political situation in South Korea, emphasizing that the foundation of the South Korea-Japan relationship remains unchanged, and they will continue to advance the diplomatic policies set by the administration of President Yoon Seok-yeol.
Since assuming office as the President of South Korea in 2022, conservative Yoon Seok-yeol has been strengthening security cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea to counter the threats posed by China and North Korea, while also working towards improving relations between Japan and South Korea. In March 2023, Yoon Seok-yeol visited Japan, marking the resumption of “shuttle diplomacy” between the leaders of the two countries after a halt of over a decade.
Reports from local Japanese media indicated that during the phone call, the two foreign ministers reiterated the importance of strengthening Japan-South Korea relations and expanding trilateral cooperation among the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Both sides expressed their commitment to continuing efforts in this direction.
The two foreign ministers also agreed during the call to enhance close communication at all levels and preparations, to ensure the smooth organization of the 60th-anniversary commemorative events for the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.