1. Mr. Kim Jung-han, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had a meeting with Mr. Shigeki Takizaki, new Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, in Tokyo on the morning of September 20. The two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including the forced labor issue.

2. Director-General Kim explained the ROK government’s position on the forced labor issue; once again called for an immediate withdrawal of the inappropriate, retaliatory export restrictions; and pointed out the need to resolve the export control issue as soon as possible through dialogue between the export control authorities.

3. Director-General Kim urged that, amid anti-Korea sentiment in Japan, the Japanese government pay special attention to ensuring the safety of the Koreans and preventing them from sustaining any damage.

4. The two Directors-General shared the understanding that it is important that the diplomatic authorities communicate with each other for the resolution of bilateral issues, and agreed to continue dialogue.