President Lee Jae-myung stresses stronger cooperation with Japan in a congratulatory video message shown at a reception on June 16 in Seoul marking the 60th anniversary of Korea's normalization of ties with Japan. (Yonhap News)

By Jeon Misun 

President Lee Jae-myung, who is in Canada attending the Group of Seven Summit, has sent a video message to a reception in Seoul marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan ties, urging the future-oriented development of both countries.

The Japanese Embassy in Seoul on June 16 hosted the event at the Crystal Ballroom of Lotte Hotel in Seoul's Jung-gu District.

President Lee said in the message, "Exchanges and cooperation between Korea and Japan have seen explosive growth in various sectors," adding, "Both countries are important partners."

"I hope that Korea-Japan relations continue to steadily develop in a forward-looking manner. We should join hands to move forward toward a better future."

Attending the event were government officials from both countries, lawmakers such as Joo Ho-young, chairman of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians Union; business executives like Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin; academics and diplomatic staff in Korea. Representing the Korean government was Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina, while Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Akihisa Nagashima attended on behalf of the Japanese government.

In addition, the Korean Embassy in Tokyo on June 19 will host another reception marking the diplomatic anniversary, part of continuing efforts by the governments and private organizations of both countries to celebrate the occasion through events.

msjeon22@korea.kr