Japan's Fm Visiting S.korea To Attend Presidential Inauguration
Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa is on a two-day visit to South Korea to attend president-elect Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration ceremony.
It is the first visit to South Korea by a Japanese foreign minister since June 2018.
Hayashi will attend Tuesday's ceremony as a special envoy of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Arrangements are also being made for Hayashi to meet Yoon and key members of the new administration.
Yoon has expressed a willingness to mend relations between the two countries. The ties are said to be at an all-time low.
Before his departure, Hayashi told reporters that bilateral relations remain strained particularly due to issues including wartime labor and those referred to as comfort women, but they should not be left unattended.
He also said his visit is an important opportunity to restore healthy ties with Seoul, directly deliver Japan's consistent stance on the issues and make close communication with the new South Korean government.
The minister disclosed that he will present a personal letter from Kishida to Yoon.