Outcome of Korea-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul had his first telephone conversation with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwaya Takeshi between 17:50 and 18:15 on October 4, 2024, and the two sides discussed Korea-Japan relations as well as regional and global issues.

Minister Cho congratulated Minister Iwaya on his inauguration and offered to communicate frequently and work closely together to expand cooperation between the two countries that share values and interests.

Minister Iwaya expressed his gratitude for Minister Cho's congratulations on his inauguration, saying that Korea-Japan relations are very important bilateral relations, and that close cooperation between the two countries not only benefits the two sides, but also leads to regional stability and prosperity. Minister Iwaya hoped to continue cooperation to further develop bilateral relations.

The two Foreign Ministers said that continuing the recent positive trend of Korea-Japan relations, the two countries should work together to accelerate efforts to prepare for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations next year and to take bilateral relations to the next level. In addition, the Ministers agreed on the importance of managing current issues well in the process of developing Korea-Japan relations, and suggested that the two countries continue to communicate in this regard.

The two Ministers acknowledged that the need for cooperation between the two countries is increasing in responding to regional and global issues such as the North Korean issue amid the severe international situation, and agreed to cooperate in international fora including the United Nations.

The two Ministers decided to continue close communication on various issues of interest by meeting in person during mutual visits or major diplomatic events in the future.