Seoul

South Korean and Japanese diplomats affirmed their commitment to closely collaborate against North Korean threats amid expanding military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. In Tokyo, First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Hong-kyun and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Masataka Okano reached an understanding during a strategic diplomatic meeting. They expressed grave concerns about a new treaty signed in Pyongyang last week, pledging mutual military aid between Pyongyang and Moscow.

The ministers emphasized the need for close coordination between South Korea and Japan, as well as with the United States and the international community, to deter North Korean threats given the serious security situation caused by North Korea’s deepening military ties with Russia. They also discussed Japan’s efforts to nominate the Sado gold and silver mine complex for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list. South Korea has urged Japan to disclose the full history of the mine, previously a site where thousands of Koreans were forced to labor during World War II.

Additionally, they agreed to continue efforts to develop bilateral relations as the 60th anniversary of their normalization approaches next year. Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho emphasized the importance of patiently creating conditions to bring North Korea back to the negotiation table, highlighting trilateral cooperation with Japan and the US against Pyongyang’s military threats.