SEOUL -- South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin held a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa, to express condolences following the recent earthquakes in central Japan. During the call, Park conveyed his sympathies for the loss of lives and damage caused by the quakes in Ishikawa Prefecture and expressed hope for a swift recovery from the disaster.
According to Yonhap News Agency, The two ministers acknowledged the recent improvement in South Korea-Japan relations, highlighted by three leaders' summits in the latter half of the previous year. They agreed to continue efforts to resume the long-suspended trilateral summit with China. According to Park's office, the phone call was initiated by Kamikawa.
Kamikawa praised the progress in Seoul-Tokyo relations under Park's leadership and expressed hope for his continued support for the relationship even after he leaves office. This conversation occurred as Park prepares to step down later this month following a Cabinet reshuffle. President Yoon Suk Yeol has nominated former United Nations Ambassador Cho Tae-yul as the new foreign minister.