Kishida and Yoon Pledge Cooperation in Farewell Summit Amid Tensions

Less than a month before exiting office, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Seoul to stress continued cooperation with South Korea despite historical grievances. Both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining warm ties amid shared regional threats, although Kishida avoided a direct apology for Japan's colonial rule. Challenges loom post-Kishida's term.

Less than a month before leaving office, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Seoul, reaffirming sympathy for the suffering of Koreans during Japan's colonial rule. Kishida, along with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, emphasized the necessity of maintaining warming ties between Japan and South Korea.

Since early last year, Kishida and the conservative South Korean President have been working to repair relations damaged by Japan's brutal occupation of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. This has led to the revival of high-level talks and the removal of reciprocal economic restrictions.

However, experts warn that the future holds challenges following Kishida's departure. Kishida avoided offering a new direct apology for colonization, but expressed pain over the suffering of forced labor victims. Yoon acknowledged ongoing challenges but remains hopeful for a brighter future through continued cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)