The foreign ministers of South Korea, China, and Japan gathered again to reaffirm their consensus on strengthening regional cooperation and establishing peace. This meeting was held about 1 year and 4 months after the South Korea-China-Japan foreign ministers' meeting in Busan last November.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Tae-hyun said at the opening remarks of the South Korea-China-Japan foreign ministers' meeting held on the 22nd at the Ikura Official Residence of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, "It is important to continue the flow of cooperation among the three countries that formed after the resumption of the summit meeting in Seoul after four and a half years last year," adding, "This meeting holds special significance in that regard."
Minister Park emphasized, "A rolling wheel can move faster, but it is not easy to get a stopped wheel rolling again," stating that it is necessary to maintain the current positive flow. He also proposed strengthening practical cooperation that the people can feel, institutionalizing and solidifying cooperation among the three countries, and contributing to global peace and prosperity. He added, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are essential for peace and prosperity in East Asia and the world," expressing expectations for candid discussions on the North Korean issue.
Wang Yi, the Chinese representative and minister of the International Department of the Communist Party, said, "The three countries of South Korea, China, and Japan provide the highest cooperative potential in East Asia," adding, "We are working to swiftly resume negotiations on the free trade agreement (FTA)." He continued, "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the anti-Japanese and global anti-fascist wars," emphasizing that at this crucial point, the three countries must face history, uphold cooperation, and promote development.
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Iwaya stated, "The international situation is more complicated and unstable than ever," and noted, "The three countries must overcome division and confrontation through candid dialogue and promote cooperation for the future. Continuous dialogue and exchange are essential for regional and global peace, even if there are challenges as neighboring countries."