Tokyo, Seoul agree to talks to mend frayed relations
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LIVERPOOL • Japan and South Korea have agreed to have a dialogue to restore a healthy relationship after long-simmering tensions between the two sides worsened in recent years, Kyodo News reported.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi met with his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-Yong on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Liverpool, England, on Saturday and affirmed the importance of cooperation, Kyodo said, citing the Japanese ministry.
The two Asian countries have been at loggerheads, with disputes dating back to Japan's 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula, hurting trade and security relations between the two United States allies.
The current South Korean administration has accused Japan of failing to show proper contrition over historical issues. It has also supported decisions by South Korean courts in recent years that ordered compensation for Korean workers conscripted to work in Japan's wartime factories and mines.
Mr Hayashi urged Mr Chung to give an appropriate response to resolve the disputes over compensation for the wartime workers, Kyodo said.
US President Joe Biden has attempted to mend frayed ties between the Asian neighbours, who are key to ensuring supply chains and providing security against the strategic threats posed by China and North Korea.
Last month, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman gave a solo news conference in Washington after a meeting with her Japanese and South Korean counterparts as the two decided to not participate due to the disputes.
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