Seoul and Tokyo are set to hold a new round of vice‑ministerial talks this week, a key step in keeping the revised ties between South Korea and Japan on a positive track. The 16th strategic dialogue will take place in Seoul on Friday, with First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon‑joo meeting Japan’s Vice Foreign Minister Takehiro Funakoshi. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Jae‑woong told reporters the meetings will cover a wide range of issues, from domestic policy to regional security and global cooperation.
This dialogue is the first of its kind since both countries changed leadership, a break that has averted fears about a more hard‑line Japanese stance on historic disputes. In June last year, the former governments met in Seoul, but the new administrations want to build on that progress.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae‑myung and Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi last met in Gyeongju at the APEC summit. They stressed that evolving global dynamics require stronger, forward‑looking partnership. Lee said the two neighbours face similar challenges and that close coordination is essential. Takaichi echoed that sentiment, noting that 2025 marks 60 years since the two countries formally normalised relations and she wants that history to spur deeper cooperation.
During the brief APEC‑side meeting, the leaders avoided digressing into historic grievances. Instead, they focused on practical measures: advanced technology collaboration, economic security, and cultural exchanges. Both sides agreed that shuttle diplomacy—frequent meetings between leaders—will expand these areas.
Park and Funakoshi previously met in Tokyo in July for a trilateral session that also included US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. The upcoming Seoul talks are part of a broader effort to strengthen ties among Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington amid a volatile strategic environment.
South Korea and Japan’s regular dialogues, including high‑level APEC‑side meetings, help keep important regional issues on the agenda while keeping both nations ready to tackle global challenges. The Friday dialogue underscores that, under new leadership, the two countries remain committed to a stronger, stable partnership.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
