For the first time in 7 years since Taro Kono
“A gesture of willingness to improve bilateral relations,” some speculate.
Iwaya Takeshi, the Japanese Foreign Minister, is reported to be visiting South Korea next week and plans to pay respects at the Seoul National Cemetery as his first official agenda. This will be the first visit by a Japanese Foreign Minister to the cemetery since Taro Kono in April 2018, about seven years ago. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and Iwaya’s visit could be seen as a demonstration of willingness to improve relations.
Iwaya, who will be visiting South Korea on the 13th, is expected to pay respects at the cemetery before having bilateral talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul. It is said that the Japanese Foreign Ministry expressed its desire to visit the cemetery in a diplomatic note to its South Korean counterpart. Kono’s visit seven years ago was the first in 14 years since Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura in 2004, and it was notable at the time. A diplomatic source stated, “Given the turbulent situation in Korea, Japan is showing a willingness to improve bilateral relations first,” and “Despite the impeachment crisis, it could demonstrate that Korea-Japan diplomacy is still operational.”
Following the cemetery visit, Iwaya plans to meet with Cho Tae-yul at the Foreign Ministry’s office in the afternoon to hold talks. The key agenda will be reaffirming the importance of improving Korea-Japan relations and South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation. At a regular briefing, Iwaya said, “Starting on the 13th from South Korea, I will visit the Philippines and Palau,” adding, “I intend to meet with Minister Cho Tae-yul and others in Korea to secure Korea-Japan, South Korea-U.S.-Japan cooperation including responses to North Korea, and confirm projects related to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization.”
The talks are also expected to cover the upcoming Korea-China-Japan summit, scheduled to be held in Japan this year. Reports indicate that Iwaya is also coordinating a possible meeting with Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance Choi Sang-mok.