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Japanese PM Kishida’s Seoul visit puts bilateral ties back on track

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Japanese PM Fumio Kishida (left) meets South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the presidential office in Seoul on May 7, 2023.

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida (left) meets South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol at the presidential office in Seoul on May 7, 2023.

PHOTO: AFP

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- In addressing disputed issues related to wartime forced labour and Fukushima during a reciprocal visit to South Korea that came earlier than expected, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida

showed goodwill

in wanting to pull derailed bilateral ties back on track. 

He and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol also pledged to strengthen relations and deepen cooperation, during a critical time when their mutual ally, the United States, needs their support to counter North Korea’s growing missile threat and China’s rising assertiveness. 

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