1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun held his first phone conversation since his inauguration with Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Akiba Takeo on November 12, and had a broad exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

2. Vice Minister Choi and Vice-Minister Akiba noted with appreciation that the two countries have been continuing exchanges and dialogues after the Republic of Korea and Japan affirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations through the phone conversation between the leaders of the two countries (Sep. 24) on the occasion of the launch of the new Japanese Cabinet.

3. In addition, the two sides shared the view that the governments of the two countries need to continue close communication and dialogues on key issues including the continued spread of COVID-19, the Tokyo Olympics, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

o Vice Minister Choi wished success for the Tokyo Olympics, and Vice-Minister Akiba expressed gratitude for his words.

4. Vice Minister Choi repeatedly explained the ROK’s position on the ruling on forced labor, and stressed the importance of a prompt withdrawal of Japan’s export-restrictive measures.

o Vice-Minister Akiba explained Japan’s position on the issues.

5. Vice Minister Choi and Vice-Minister Akiba also exchanged views on expanding exchanges between the ROK and Japan, collaboration among the ROK, the U.S., and Japan, and other regional issues of interest, and agreed to continue close communication on matters of mutual concern.