Press Releases
Deputy Speaker Joo urges government-level preparations for 60th anniversary of normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations
- Sep 05, 2024
- 165
Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young urges government-level preparations
for 60th anniversary of normalization
of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations
- Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young meets with Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima on July 26
The Republic of Korea’s National Assembly Deputy Speaker Joo Ho-young met with Japanese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Koichi Mizushima on July 26 in the Speaker’s office. During the meeting, they concurred on the need for government-level preparations for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations next year.
Deputy Speaker Joo requested Japan’s cooperation in repatriating the remains of victims of forced labor during Japan’s colonial rule, as well as in lending the painting ‘Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land’ by An Gyeon, for an exhibition in Seoul. The artwork is held by Tenri University in Japan.
In his role as President of the Korea-Japan Parliamentarians’ Union, Joo expressed his anticipation for more active exchanges between Korean and Japanese lawmakers following the restoration of shuttle diplomacy between the leaders of both countries and the normalization of bilateral relations last year.
The Deputy Speaker underscored the importance of delivering on the agreement made by President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in May, to make next year’s 60th anniversary event “a historic turning point in bilateral relations.” He proposed establishing government-level preparatory committees in both countries to organize the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic normalization.
Joo added that he will discuss the “establishment of a government-level preparatory committee” with President Yoon Suk-yeol, while underlining the importance of organizing a variety of cultural events, mutual-visit programs, and youth exchange projects between the two countries.
Ambassador Mizushima expressed agreement and appreciation for the resumption of shuttle diplomacy between the two countries’ leaders and significant improvement in bilateral relations last year. He suggested significantly expanding exchanges between the two countries and jointly promoting various events in celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic normalization.
Deputy Speaker Joo also requested support for the repatriation of the remains of forced labor victims scattered across Japan. In addition, he asked Ambassador Mizushima to carefully ensure that An Gyeon’s “Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land,” held by Tenri University, could be loaned for an exhibition in Seoul during the first half of next year.
Ambassador Mizushima responded that he will convey the requests to the Japanese government, saying that for the current positive bilateral atmosphere to continue, Korea and Japan must work to enhance their relationship and expand areas of cooperation.
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