1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who is visiting New York to attend the UN General Assembly, met with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on September 30, and exchanged in-depth views on a range of issues, including the overall ROK-Japan relations and issues of mutual concern.

2. The two Ministers noted with appreciation the efforts made by the diplomatic authorities of the two countries to overcome various obstacles to the ROK-Japan relations, which were expected to arise this year. They agreed that the two countries need to make sure that such efforts bear fruit by resolving outstanding history issues in a smooth manner.

o In particular, Minister Yun stressed that in order to firmly establish a virtuous cycle of improvement in the ROK-Japan relations, the two countries need to swiftly resolve the issue of sexual slavery victims drafted by Japan’s Imperial Army during World War II, which is a key history issue between the two countries. Minister Yun also urged the Japanese government to faithfully implement the measures it promised to take after the inscription of Japan’s Meiji industrial sites on the World Heritage List.

3. Sharing the view that they need to normalize the trilateral cooperation mechanism among the ROK, Japan and China by holding a trilateral summit successfully, which is expected to take place in late October or early November, the two Ministers agreed to pursue close cooperation between the two countries in preparations for the summit.

4. Regarding the recent passage of Japan’s new security legislation, Minister Yun reminded again that the ROK, the US and Japan, through various consultations, have developed common understanding, including full respect for the sovereignty of a third country, including the ROK. Minister Yun expected the defense authorities of the ROK, the US and Japan to continue to closely consult on related policy making and implementation through working-level consultations currently in place. In response, Minister Kishida agreed with Minister Yun’s view, and said that Japan will continue close consultations between the ROK and Japan, and between the ROK, the US and Japan, while maintaining transparency.

5. The two Ministers agreed on the need to continue to expand communications on various occasions, and decided to continue to review appropriate timing for Minister Kishida’s visit to the ROK, which the two Foreign Ministers agreed to arrange during their meeting in June.


*unofficial translation