The Office of the President on March 12 released a short video on YouTube of President Yoon Suk Yeol's closing comments at his 10th Cabinet meeting on March 7, when he said, "Finding a solution to bilateral relations with Japan is a pledge to the people and a decision for the future." The photo shows President Yoon (right) on Nov. 13, 2022, shaking hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at their bilateral summit held at a hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (Office of the President)

By Xu Aiying

President Yoon Suk Yeol has expressed his intent to improve bilateral relations with Japan, saying, "Finding a solution to the forced labor issue is keeping a presidential election pledge."

The Office of the President on March 12 released a short YouTube video featuring President Yoon's closing comments at his 10th Cabinet meeting on March 7, when he said, "Finding a solution to relations with Japan is a pledge to the people and a decision for the future."

"During the presidential election, foreign policy focused on boosting the extended deterrence through the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance in economy and security, inheriting the spirit of the Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Declaration and future-oriented Korea-Japan relations toward becoming a global pivotal nation."

To the Cabinet, the president said, "It was clear from the start that we must urgently resolve the forced labor issue and revitalize Korea-Japan exchange in economy, security and culture," adding, "We need to make sure that the people recognize that an election pledge was kept by doing so."

The presidential office said the administration's decision on bilateral ties have received welcome and support from Japan, the U.S., European Union, U.K., Germany, Canada, Australia, Norway, Finland and United Nations. 

"We will do our utmost to closely communicate with the victims, explain the content of our announcement in detail and listen to their opinions," it added. "We will continue striving to help the victims with their rights and develop future-oriented Korea-Japan relations while also taking follow-up measures to successfully implement the resolution supported by the international community." 

President Yoon and first lady Kim Keon Hee from March 16-17 will visit Japan at the invitation of the Japanese government, his first trip there since taking office last year.

The presidential office on March 9 told domestic media, "President Yoon will hold summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his trip," adding, "This will mark an important milestone in resuming exchange between the leaders of both countries, which was suspended for 12 years, and improving and developing bilateral relations."

"Through President Yoon's visit to Japan, we hope that both countries overcome their unfortunate past history and move forward toward the future by expanding bilateral cooperation in many areas like national security, economy, society and culture and further boost exchanges between the people of both countries."

In 2004, "shuttle diplomacy" between both sides began as their leaders regularly visited each other's country once a year, but this arrangement ended with then President Lee Myung-bak's visit to Japan in December 2011. 

xuaiy@korea.kr