N Seoul Tower (left) on Feb. 15 lights up in blue and red in colors of the national flags of Korea and Japan. Tokyo Tower on the same day is illuminated with the phrase "Japan Korea" to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties. (Yonhap News)

By Kim Hyelin

The landmark towers of Seoul and Tokyo have been lit up with symbols of both countries to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of bilateral ties

The diplomatic corps of both countries on the evening of Feb. 15 held a lighting ceremony at N Seoul Tower and Tokyo Tower to celebrate the milestone.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul said in a news release that the event signified both countries moving together toward a new future while reflecting on the footprints of friendship and cooperation.

The upper part of N Seoul Tower at 6:30 p.m. alternated with red and blue lights to symbolize the national flags of both countries, while its bottom section shone with the official logo of the diplomatic anniversary.

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Hong Kyun said at the N Seoul Tower lighting ceremony, "While watching lights symbolizing the 60th anniversary brightly illuminating the center of Seoul, I hope that this is a time for both countries to join hands and draw a better future together."

Tokyo Tower displayed the illuminated English-language phrase "Japan Korea" in white, blue and red, or the colors of the national flags of both countries.

In cooperation with its Japanese counterpart, the ministry will host events this year to mark the milestone.

kimhyelin211@korea.kr