1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha spoke over the phone with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi on the morning of June 3, and exchanged views on major issues between the Republic of Korea and Japan, including COVID-19 response and export-restrictive measures, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

2. Minister Kang expressed deep regret over the fact that Japan’s export-restrictive measures are still in place even after the ROK, through such active efforts as the revision of the Foreign Trade Act, resolved all issues that Japan had raised as reasons for its implementation of the measures. Minister Kang urged a prompt withdrawal of Japan’s export-restrictive measures, and Minister Motegi mentioned Japan’s basic position on the matter.

o In addition, Minister Kang stressed the ROK’s position on the issue of forced labor, and Minister Motegi explained Japan’s position.

3. Ministers Kang and Motegi noted with appreciation that the governments of the two countries are cooperating in repatriating their nationals staying abroad amid the spread of COVID-19, and recognized the need to continue to expand cooperation on the COVID-19 situation.

4. The two Ministers shared their countries’ positions and assessments regarding the current situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

5. The two Ministers agreed to continue communication and consultations between the diplomatic authorities of the two countries to resolve pending bilateral issues.