Tokyo, Japan – Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized a shared vision for a stronger bilateral relationship with South Korea on June 19, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Speaking at a commemorative reception hosted by the Korean Embassy in Japan, Prime Minister Ishiba urged both countries to "join hands and move towards a better future" amidst an increasingly challenging strategic environment.
The reception, held at the Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, served as a poignant reminder of the journey both nations have undertaken since the signing of the 'Treaty on Basic Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea' on June 22, 1965. Despite periods of strain, exchanges between Korea and Japan have consistently thrived, sustained largely by the enduring connections between their peoples. This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Ishiba, who noted the resilience of these broad interactions over the past six decades.
Prime Minister Ishiba highlighted the numerous shared challenges confronting both nations, including declining birth rates, population decrease, and the pressing need for regional revitalization. He underscored the vast potential for collaboration, stating, "There are quite many areas where Korea and Japan can share diverse wisdom and knowledge and cooperate, and must cooperate in the future." This cooperation extends beyond traditional diplomatic and security realms to economic sectors such as green and digital transformation, local economic revitalization, and the stabilization of critical supply chains. He expressed a clear intent to broaden the scope of Korea-Japan cooperation and ensure the continuity of their exchanges for future generations.
His remarks followed closely on the heels of his first in-person summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, held during the G7 summit in Canada on June 17. Prime Minister Ishiba described their discussions as "very good and meaningful," focusing on the stable development of bilateral relations and aligning their approaches to regional geopolitical crises, particularly those concerning North Korea. The Japanese leader's swift return from Canada to attend the Tokyo reception, less than 24 hours after his arrival, underscored the significance he places on the bilateral relationship. Conversely, President Lee Jae-myung provided a video message for a reciprocal event held in Seoul on June 16, due to his G7 commitments.
Korean Ambassador to Japan Park Chul-hee also delivered an impassioned address at the Tokyo event, characterizing the past 60 years of Korea-Japan relations as "a history of growth, achievement, and success." He stressed the continuous effort required to foster and maintain a sustainable, friendly relationship. Joo Ho-young, Vice Speaker of the National Assembly and President of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union, acknowledged existing historical issues but proposed that progress lies in "understanding and respecting each other's positions and finding a clue to resolution" rather than ignoring the past.
Prominent figures from both sides of the political spectrum echoed calls for enhanced cooperation. Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who heads the Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' Union, expressed his hope that the 60th anniversary would catalyze further mutual understanding and friendship, leading to a broader horizon of cooperation. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in his toast, reminisced about his 12 Korea-Japan meetings during his two-year tenure, earnestly wishing for continued development.
Prime Minister Ishiba, known for his more moderate stance on historical issues compared to some of his predecessors, has consistently advocated for robust trilateral security cooperation with the United States to address regional threats. This approach, which includes calls for an "Asian NATO," signals a desire for a more comprehensive security framework in East Asia. Recent developments, including significant increases in people-to-people exchanges and growing trade volumes, indicate a deepening solidarity and mutual interest between the two countries.
The commemorative events in both Seoul and Tokyo, symbolized by a shared slogan, underscore a joint commitment to building a forward-looking, strategic partnership. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, the emphasis remains on leveraging their collective wisdom and experience to forge a path of stable and prosperous cooperation for the next 60 years.
Attendees at the Tokyo reception included high-ranking Japanese officials such as House of Representatives Speaker Fukushiro Nukaga, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, and Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato. From the Korean side, approximately ten National Assembly members, including Min Hong-cheol, Secretary-General of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians' Union, were present, reflecting the broad political support for the continued development of bilateral ties.
This anniversary serves as a crucial inflection point, offering an opportunity for Korea and Japan to move beyond historical complexities and focus on common ground, ensuring a stable and mutually beneficial future.
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