Spokesperson’s Statement on the Inauguration of a New Cabinet in Japan

The Government of the Republic of Korea extends its congratulations on the election of Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leader Naoto Kan as Japan’s 94th Prime Minister on June 4 and on the official inauguration of a new Cabinet on June 8. Perceiving the high importance of developed Korea-Japan relations for peace and prosperity in East Asia, the Governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan have worked to build a truly close neighborly relationship. The Government of the Republic of Korea hopes that PM Kan's DPJ government will further bolster the future-oriented, friendly and cooperative relationship between Korea and Japan, while squarely facing history.