South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will meet today in Seoul to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation between their countries.
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties, the two ministers are set to hold a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this afternoon. The discussions will focus on improving bilateral relations and reinforcing trilateral cooperation with the United States.
Cho and Iwaya are also expected to focus on ways to enhance cooperation with the incoming second term of the Donald Trump administration, set to begin on January 20. Iwaya will first pay a visit to the National Cemetery in Seoul and then meet with acting President Choi Sang-mok on January 14.
This marks the first visit to South Korea by Foreign Minister Iwaya since his appointment. Also, this is the first bilateral visit by a Japanese foreign minister to South Korea in seven years, following a hiatus since April 2018.
The Japanese foreign minister's decision to visit South Korea for a bilateral meeting is viewed as a clear signal of Japan's dedication to improving ties with South Korea. Iwaya is on a four-day tour this week, which will also include stops in the Philippines and Palau.