President Lee Jae-myung said in an interview with Japanese media ahead of his first visit to Japan since taking office on the 23rd, "Let's face the past but move towards the future."
President Lee noted during a joint written interview with Japanese Asahi, Mainichi, Nikkei, and Sankei newspapers published before his departure to Japan that "expanding cooperation between the two countries is my belief and the diplomatic principle of our government towards Japan."
He mentioned that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, indicating that "there are aspects of confrontation and cooperation in Korea-Japan relations, and coexistence allows for tolerance. It is important to find the maximum benefits for each other. There is no need to give up the benefits because of any negative aspects."
He added, "I hope this visit to Japan will serve as an opportunity to solidify a foundation for future-oriented cooperation," and that he would "openly exchange opinions with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on various cooperation measures regarding peace and stability in the region, security, and economy."
Regarding the sensitive topic of the 'past history issue' between the two countries, President Lee stated, "Since it is a matter of truth and emotions, acknowledging the facts, offering apologies, and going through a sincere process of consolation are much more important," and suggested that "it would be good to discuss this issue with a more fundamental awareness of the long-term perspective and deep human consideration."
He also said, "We should not be overly immersed in the issues," emphasizing the need to "acknowledge reality, respect each other, and maximize what is beneficial to each other."
As for the issue of lifting the ban on Japanese seafood products, he stated, "Restoring our people's trust in Japanese seafood is a priority." When asked about Japan's concern over the 'victims of abduction issue,' he said, "I deeply empathize. This is a matter that must be resolved from a humanitarian perspective," adding, "It is time to restore dialogue even to discuss various agendas related to North Korea."
President Lee stated that he would promote the expansion of exchanges starting with the restoration of 'shuttle diplomacy' with Japan. He further mentioned, "In response to changes in the trading environment, we plan to actively utilize not only bilateral channels but also multilateral and sub-multilateral channels such as Korea-U.S.-Japan, Korea-China-Japan, 'ASEAN+3', and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)."
He also added that it is now time to seriously discuss establishing an economic cooperation organization for Pacific coastal countries, including East Asia. Ahead of this summit, there are forecasts that Korea's participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may be discussed.