SEOUL - Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, announced on Thursday that North Korea is open to improving relations with Japan, potentially including an invitation for Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to visit Pyongyang. This statement follows Kishida's speech last week expressing a desire to transform the strained relationship between the two countries.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim Yo-jong emphasized that as long as Japan does not dwell on "obstacles" such as the abduction issue, there are no reasons the two nations cannot grow closer. The abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s has been a longstanding barrier to diplomatic normalization. Despite expressing openness to better relations, Kim Yo-jong indicated that North Korea would adopt a wait-and-see approach regarding Kishida's intentions.
The development comes amid reports that Kishida is considering a visit to South Korea for a summit with President Yoon Suk Yeol in late March, which would be his second visit to the country.