Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul held his first meeting with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko since his inauguration, on Wednesday, February 21, from 11:10 to 11:40 (local time) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The two sides discussed Korea-Japan relations, as well as North Korea and the North Korean nuclear issue.

Minister Cho suggested that both countries elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level this year by building on last year’s efforts and continuing close communication and cooperation at all levels, including at the summit level, and handle various challenges wisely in the complex international situation, based on the solid cooperation between the two countries.

Both ministers exchanged views on various bilateral issues and agreed on the importance of continued communication between the diplomatic authorities to foster future-oriented Korea-Japan relations.

Both ministers condemned North Korea for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the region through hostile rhetoric and provocations recently, and they agreed to continue efforts to work with the international community to bring North Korea back to the path of denuclearization, based on close coordination between Korea and Japan, and among Korea, Japan, and the United States.

In this regard, Minister Cho suggested that Korea and Japan also continue to communicate closely on Japan-North Korea relations. Furthermore, both ministers agreed that Korea and Japan should cooperate on various North Korean human rights issues, including the problems of abduction victims, detainees, and prisoners of war, to contribute to resolving these issues.

Furthermore, both ministers shared the recent progress regarding the Korea-Japan-China trilateral summit, and agreed to work together towards the prompt convening of the summit.

During this meeting, discussions took place regarding the issue of the withdrawal of funds deposited by Hitachi Zosen Corporation, with both sides reaffirming their respective positions. Additionally, Minister Cho protested against the hosting of the so-called “Dokdo Day” event in Shimane Prefecture on Thursday, February 22, and the planned participation of a high-level official of Japan’s central government, and emphasized once again that Dokdo is an integral part of the ROK territory historically, geographically, and under international law.