The Ministers of Agriculture from Korea and Japan held a bilateral meeting for the first time in seven years. The two ministers promised to expand cooperation in the agriculture and food industry of both countries.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on the 11th, Minister Song Mi-ryeong and Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi Shinjiro held a bilateral meeting in Songdo, Incheon, during the 4th Korea-China-Japan Ministers of Agriculture Meeting.
This meeting is the first ministerial communication held in seven years since the 3rd Korea-China-Japan Ministers of Agriculture Meeting in 2018.
A Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs official noted, "Korea and Japan have been creating a friendly atmosphere through exchanges at the working level in April and vice ministerial meetings in May," adding, "The significance is great in that it's the first ministerial communication since 2018."
The two countries exchanged views on various areas of mutual interest, including cooperation in general agriculture, cooperation in globally important agricultural heritage, the hosting of the Japan International Horticultural Exposition, and Korean food culture.
They discussed ways to expand the entry of Korean agricultural products into Japan and agreed to enhance information sharing to regularize meetings of chief veterinary officers and respond to transboundary animal diseases.
Minister Song said, "Korea and Japan share similar agricultural structures and challenges, and through practical cooperation, we can enhance mutual competitiveness and sustainability," and added, "I hope this meeting serves as a starting point to expand agricultural cooperation between the two countries."