Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is on an official visit to South Korea, reports „Agence France-Presse“, quoted by BTA.
During his visit, he will hold a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-jul. The talks are taking place against the backdrop of political instability in South Korea and the upcoming return of Donald Trump to the White House.
This visit is the first by a Japanese foreign minister to South Korea in more than six years, notes the South Korean news agency „Yonhap“.
Iwaya and Cho are expected to hold a joint press conference after the talks, the South Korean Foreign Ministry announced. According to local media, the Japanese minister will also meet with the acting president of South Korea - Choi Sang-mok.
Historical relations between Japan and South Korea remain tense due to the period of Japanese colonization of the Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945, notes „AFP“.
South Korea has been experiencing a severe political crisis since President Yun Suk-yeol's attempt to impose martial law on December 3. This led to his removal from office and the issuance of an arrest warrant.
In response to the situation, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed deep concern about what is happening in South Korea and the possible consequences for regional security.