President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 17 held a phone summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on close bilateral cooperation for regional peace. Shown is President Yoon (right) on May 7, 2023, shaking hands with his Japanese counterpart at a joint news conference hosted by the Office of the President in Seoul. (Kim Yong Wii from Office of the President)

By Xu Aiying

President Yoon Suk Yeol in a phone summit on April 17 with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida discussed their development of trilateral cooperation with the U.S. in issues such as North Korea.

The Office of the President quoted President Yoon as saying, "Given instability in the international situation including on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific region, we should contribute to regional peace and prosperity through close cooperation between Korea and Japan and that among Korea, the U.S. and Japan."

Prime Minister Kishida shared the results of his recent state visit to the U.S. and progress in his country's ties with Washington. "Going forward, we will keep deepening cooperation with Korea while responding to issues in the international community based on solid cooperation among Korea, the U.S. and Japan."

Both leaders also shared their opinions on their responses to North Korea and agreed to continue reinforcing bilateral cooperation as well with the U.S. on related issues.

They pledged to improve bilateral relations by continuing informal communication between their leaders and diplomatic officials this year to maintain the positive momentum created by the two sides and solid relationship of trust through their seven summits last year.

These phone talks were suggested by Prime Minister Kishida.

xuaiy@korea.kr