Outcome of 16th ROK-Japan Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue (November 7)

From 10:00 to 12:00, November 7, in Seoul, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoonjoo held the 16th ROK-Japan Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi Takehiro.

Both Vice Ministers appreciated the continuing positive momentum in ROK-Japan relations: The two countries have held three summits since June thereby completely restoring shuttle diplomacy, and another summit just about ten days after the inauguration of the new Cabinet in Japan to reaffirm their commitment to advancing bilateral relations. They also shared the view that, given the increasingly complex global landscape where security and the economy are closely intertwined, cooperation between the two countries is gaining ever more importance.

Vice Minister Park stressed that the ROK and Japan should continue close communication to seek solutions to pending bilateral issues, while strengthening a virtuous cycle in bilateral relations by pursuing cooperation in areas which can bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries. Vice Minister Funakoshi congratulated Korea on the success of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju and suggested that the two Foreign Ministries strengthen dialogue and communication with a view to building upon the achievements of the recent bilateral summit.

Both Vice Ministers exchanged views on recent developments related to the Korean Peninsula and agreed to continue working closely together to maintain peace and stability on the Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy while upholding the principle of denuclearization.

Both Vice Ministers also exchanged views on a wide range of global and regional issues and concurred on the need for further strategic communication to address common challenges of the two countries such as economic security and transnational crimes.

Furthermore, both Vice Ministers agreed to continue the ongoing ROK-United States-Japan cooperation in a variety of areas, while exploring additional potential areas of trilateral collaboration.

Prior to the strategic dialogue, Minister Cho Hyun had a breakfast meeting with Vice Minister Funakoshi. Minister Cho emphasized that the Foreign Ministries of the ROK and Japan should communicate closely to ensure that vibrant high-level exchanges, including those at the summit level, between the two countries lead to outcomes tangible for the people of both countries.