The South Korean presidential office told reporters Tuesday that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning a two-day visit to South Korea, starting Sunday, to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol. Kishida stated, “It will be a good opportunity to frankly exchange opinions on ways to develop Japan-South Korea relations and the rapidly changing international situation,” while speaking to reporters in Accra, Ghana. The visit comes less than two months after Yoon’s visit to Tokyo for a summit with Kishida.
The upcoming visit signals improved relations between Seoul and Tokyo. It also comes earlier than anticipated, as Tokyo prepares to host the G-7 summit in Hiroshima later this month. Kishida had previously invited Yoon to attend the G-7 summit meeting earlier in March.
Dear readers,
At KOREA PRO, our mission is to provide engaging and insightful content. Your input is essential to us, and we greatly appreciate any suggestions you have for improving our offerings. Please consider sharing your ideas by taking part in our quick 5-minute survey.
KOREA PRO Briefing:
Discover South Korea’s desired weaponry and arms export approach with us. Ankit Panda and Karl Friedhoff will delve into the opportunities and challenges facing the ROK defense industry and examine the influence of emerging technologies within a changing geopolitical environment. Click here to sign up!
Why It Matters
The South Korean Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on Tuesday that both countries have agreed to enhance bilateral financial ties and resume their long-stalled finance ministers’ meeting “at an appropriate time this year.” This development follows several years of trade tensions. The ministry also revealed South Korea’s intentions to expand ties with Japan in various areas, including chips and batteries, as well as on global issues like climate change.
Kishida’s decision to visit South Korea might be influenced by Yoon’s summit meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. During a joint press conference in Washington, Biden emphasized the closeness of the U.S. relationship with South Korea and stressed the importance of a strong trilateral relationship between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, both economically and militarily.
However, Kishida may not receive as warm a reception from the South Korean public as Yoon experienced in Japan. Approximately 60% of South Koreans disapprove of Yoon’s efforts to improve relations with Tokyo.
The South Korean presidential office told reporters Tuesday that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning a two-day visit to South Korea, starting Sunday, to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol. Kishida stated, “It will be a good opportunity to frankly exchange opinions on ways to develop Japan-South Korea relations and the rapidly changing international situation,” while speaking to reporters in Accra, Ghana. The visit comes less than two months after Yoon’s visit to Tokyo for a summit with Kishida.
The upcoming visit signals improved relations between Seoul and Tokyo. It also comes earlier than anticipated, as Tokyo prepares to host the G-7 summit in Hiroshima later this month. Kishida had previously invited Yoon to attend the G-7 summit meeting earlier in March.
Get 30 days
of free access to
KoreaPro
Full access to all analysis
The KOREA PRO newsletter, every business day
Daily analysis on the top story of the day
The ability to suggest topics for coverage by our specialist team
Be smart about South Korea
Get full access to expert analysis and opinion.
Start now
No charges during your trial. Cancel anytime. A paid subscription will start after 30 days.