S.korea Ready To Hold Talks With Japan To Mend Ties
A South Korean delegate says South Korea will sincerely hold talks with Japan on bilateral issues to mend the ties between the two countries. He also says both countries need to make efforts to settle the issues.
South Korea's National Assembly Deputy Speaker Chung Jin-suk spoke to reporters after meeting Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa in Tokyo on Monday.
Chung heads the delegation sent by South Korea's President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol. Chung and the other delegates arrived in Japan on Sunday.
Relations between the two countries have been strained over issues, including wartime labor.
Chung said South Korea hopes the two countries will be able to work more closely, while sharing the same values -- liberalism and market economies. He said Hayashi agreed with this.
Chung was asked by a reporter if he had invited Hayashi to attend Yoon's inauguration ceremony on May 10. He said it is up to Japan to decide, but South Korea will treat the country's leaders with sincerity if they decide to attend the event.
The South Korean delegation will stay in Japan until Thursday and is seeking to meet Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during the visit.