Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations Noh Kyu-duk

October 18, 2018  14:30  KST

First, let me read to you the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson’s commentary on sending offerings to and visiting the Yasukuni Shrine.

The government of the Republic of Korea expresses deep concern and disappointment over the fact that leaders of the government and the parliament of Japan once again sent offerings to and visited the Yasukuni Shrine, which glorifies Japan’s history of colonial rule and war of aggression.

The ROK government sternly urges the Japanese political leaders to work to earn the trust of neighboring countries and contribute to advancing the ROK-Japan relations in a future-oriented manner by demonstrating through action their humble reflection and sincere remorse for Japan’s past wrongdoings based on a correct understanding of history.

Now, I will start today’s briefing.

First, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will meet with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on October 23.

The upcoming visit to the ROK by UN High Commissioner for Refugees Grandi marks his second visit following the first one in November last year.

In the meeting, the two sides will exchange views on key refugee issues around the world, and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between the ROK and the UN Refugee Agency in responding to global refugee crises.

Moving on to the next topic, Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will meet with Director, President and CEO of the Woodrow Wilson Center Jane Harman on October 19.

In the meeting, Vice Minister Cho will consult on ways to step up cooperation with the Woodrow Wilson Center, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, and discuss the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and the ROK-US alliance.

Thank you.

(A question-and-answer session followed.)

* unofficial translation