1. The Government of the Republic of Korea takes note of the repeated vows of the incumbent Japanese government to uphold the historical views expressed in statements issued by former Japanese Cabinets, such as the Murayama Statement, the Koizumi Statement and the Kono Statement, which have served as the foundation of the advances in the ROK-Japan relations since the normalization of bilateral diplomatic relations.

2. In the same vein, the Government of the Republic of Korea expects that the Japanese government will make it clear in the upcoming statement by its Prime Minister, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, that it unambiguously upholds the historical views contained in the aforementioned statements and will thereby demonstrate a mature attitude to resolve historical issues and open a new chapter of relations with its neighboring countries, including the Republic of Korea.

3. The Government of the Republic of Korea hopes that by making the aforementioned moves, Japan will help promote a virtuous cycle in advancing the ties between the ROK and Japan in the year of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations, win trust from its neighboring countries and be reborn as a country that plays a responsible role in the international community.


* unofficial translation