Minister Choi Hyun of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had a call with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on the afternoon of the 24th, marking their first conversation since his appointment, where they exchanged opinions on bilateral relations and other matters.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Choi noted during the 20-minute call, "Cooperation between Korea and Japan and the U.S.-Korea-Japan collaboration is central to our government's practical diplomacy alongside the U.S.-Korea alliance," adding, "Let us work together to create a stronger, more mature, and future-oriented Korea-Japan relationship based on friendly perceptions between the two nations' citizens."
Foreign Minister Hayashi congratulated Minister Choi on his appointment, responding, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic ties; let us work closely together for the stable development of our bilateral relations and the deepening of U.S.-Korea-Japan cooperation."
The two ministers agreed on the necessity of continuing cooperation in various fields, and decided to maintain close communication not only through 'shuttle diplomacy' between the leaders but also through exchanges between foreign ministers.
This is the first time Minister Choi, who took office on the 19th, has had a call with a foreign minister from a major country. Minister Choi is currently planning to visit the U.S. next week to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.