Export restrictions to Korea are “separate discussions”
Regarding the South Korean government’s announcement of compensation for victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period on the 6th, Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa said, “We view it as an effort to restore Korea-Japan relations, which were in a very difficult state, to a healthy one.”
Foreign Minister Hayashi said at a brief press conference that day, “Korea and Japan are important neighboring countries that need to cooperate in responding to various challenges in the international community.”
“The Japanese government will strengthen strategic alliances between Korea and Japan and between Korea, the US and Japan, including in the security aspect, in light of the current strategic environment,” he said.
He also said, “I take this opportunity to confirm that the Japanese government has inherited the overall position of the previous cabinets on historical awareness, including the Korea-Japan Joint Declaration (Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration) announced in October 1998.”
Foreign Minister Hayashi said, “Based on the foundation of friendly and cooperative relations built since the normalization of diplomatic relations in 1965, we will continue to closely cooperate with the ROK to further develop Korea-Japan relations in a sound form.” I look forward to a strong expansion of exchanges in fields such as politics, economy and culture between Korea and Japan.”
When asked if he would tolerate voluntary donations from Japanese companies to foundations, Foreign Minister Hayashi said, “The government will not take a special stance on voluntary donations by private individuals or private companies at home and abroad.”
Regarding the lifting of export control measures taken by Japan to South Korea, “The review of export management operation to South Korea promulgated in July 2019 is an appropriate implementation of export management from a security point of view,” and “a separate discussion from the worker issue.” revealed
“As for export control issues, we are demanding appropriate responses from South Korea, including suspension of the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement process initiated by Korea centered on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry,” he added.
In addition, he drew a line about the diplomatic schedule between the leaders of Korea and Japan, saying, “Nothing has been decided.”
Source: Donga
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