Mar 23 (NHK) - The foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea have agreed to promote future-oriented cooperation in tackling common issues, and accelerate arrangements to hold a trilateral summit in Japan as early as possible.
Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul in Tokyo on Saturday morning.
Iwaya said the three countries, as neighboring nations, sometimes face difficult problems. He added that engaging in candid dialogues and promoting future-oriented cooperation is in their common interest, as well as crucial for regional and global peace and prosperity.
The ministers agreed to promote mutual understanding through personnel exchanges, strengthen economic and disaster prevention cooperation, and work together to address shared challenges, including declining birthrates and aging populations.
Iwaya expressed concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs, as well as the country's growing military ties with Russia.
He called for close communications among Tokyo, Beijing and Seoul to realize the North's denuclearization in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Iwaya also asked for cooperation in resolving the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese citizens immediately.
Turning to Ukraine, the Japanese minister stressed the importance of making the case that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should not be tolerated anywhere in the world.
Iwaya later told a joint news conference that the ministers had exchanged candid views from a broad perspective on cooperation among their countries and regional and international situations.
He also said they agreed to promote future-oriented cooperation. He expressed hope for close coordination among the three countries so that the ministers' meeting will help pave the way for summit talks.
China's Wang noted that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two. He said 2025 is an important year to reflect on history, and draw beneficial lessons from it.
He added that the three countries should continue to face up to history and promote healthy development of cooperation with a future-oriented spirit.
