Japan: Relation with South Korea shouldn't be left in severe state

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon are reportedly seeking to rebuild relations over feuds of history and trade. On October 24, both the nations agreed on the importance of cooperating with North Korea. However, PM Abe emphasized that South Korea still has to keep its promises for ties between the two Asian allies of the United States to improve. 

“Our two nations are important neighbors for each other, and keeping in contact over North Korea, bilateral relations and our ties with the United States are quite important,” PM Abe said. He further added, “Relations are currently in quite a severe state but should not be left that way. If South Korea can keep bilateral promises, that could be a chance to return to a healthy relationship.” 

PM Lee agreed that relations should not be left in their current difficult state, adding that dialogue was important. However, the Japanese Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary reportedly claimed that the South Korean top court ruling is in clear violation of international law and fundamentally breaks down the legal framework for Japan-South Korea relations. PM Lee reportedly also delivered a letter to PM Abe from South Korean President Moon Jae-in in which President Moon called for attempts to resolve the pending bilateral issues. 

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Disagreements

South Korea and Japan have been reportedly in disagreements over compensation for forced laborers during Japan’s 1910-1945 occupation of Korea. In recent times, Japan had tightened its curbs on exports of hi-tech materials vital to South Korea's chip and display industries since then both countries have removed each other from fast-track trade status. South Korean government has also reportedly protested against Tokyo's annual defense review, which apparently made a reference to Japan owning the islands. After which South Korea's foreign minister supposedly summoned a military official at the Japanese embassy in Seoul to demand an immediate retraction. 

(With agency inputs)

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