FM Kim Sung-Hwan Visits Japan

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan, on an official visit to Japan, paid a courtesy call on Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on February 16 to exchange views on matters of mutual concern. Prime Minister Kan voiced hope that the year 2011, turning the page from last year’s 100th anniversary of Japan’s forced annexation of Korea, will be a meaningful one in view of the next 100 years. Meanwhile, taking note of the Prime Minister’s statement issued last August, Minister Kim expressed expectation that a foundation will be established for a future-oriented bilateral relationship. The Prime Minister mentioned that he will carry out domestic follow-up measures regarding his statement in August and for the return of the ancient Korean archives. Minister Kim appreciated the efforts of the Japanese government to pass the agreement on the return of the ancient Korean books. Further, Prime Minister Kan conveyed expectation for early resumption of bilateral FTA negotiations, to which Minister Kim replied that efforts are underway to create conditions for reopening the talks.