1. Mr. Kim Jung-han, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is accompanying Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha on her visit to San Francisco for the ROK-U.S. and the ROK-U.S.-Japan foreign ministerial meetings, had a meeting with Mr. Shigeki Takizaki, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan on the afternoon of January 13, local time, and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

2. Director-General Kim called for a prompt withdrawal of Japan’s export-restrictive measures, and repeatedly stressed the ROK’s position on the issue of forced labor.

o Director-General Takizaki mentioned Japan’s position on the issues.

3. In addition, the two Directors-General exchanged views on preparations for the ROK-Japan Foreign Ministers’ meeting during their visit to the U.S.

4. The two sides agreed to continue dialogues and consultations to resolve major issues between the ROK and Japan.