‘I will try to advance Seoul-Tokyo relations’

SEOUL/TOKYO — Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said Tuesday he will use his visit to Tokyo as an opportunity to advance Seoul-Tokyo relations, as he is keen to serve as a “messenger and facilitator” between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“I don’t expect all outstanding issues to be addressed just because of my one-time special visit to Tokyo, but I hope my visit signals South Korea and Japan will go one step further,” Prime Minister Lee told Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Yasumasa Nagamine at Seoul Air Base before departing for Tokyo for a three-day trip to attend the coronation of the new Japanese emperor, according to press pool reports.

Lee arrived at Haneda International

Airport in Tokyo using the presidential plane. He was accompanied by more than 30 South Korean media outlets and 50 reporters.

“During my stay in Tokyo, I will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and business leaders, as well as key politicians. I will tell them responsible Korean and Japanese politicians and businesspeople will need to understand that their close involvement in dialogue is an important part of the process to advance bilateral relations,” Lee told Ambassador Nagamine.

The highlight of Lee’s Tokyo visit take place on the morning of Oct. 24 as he will deliver President Moon’s handwritten letter to Abe on the occasion of their brief meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office of Japan. Regarding the specifics of President Moon’s personal letter, Cheong Wa Dae declined to comment.

Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon pays tribute to a memorial stone for Lee Su-hyun, who died to save a Japanese man who fell onto train tracks in Japan in January 2001, at Tokyo’s Shin-Okubo Station, Tuesday. His death has been considered a symbol of sacrifice for human beings and friendly relations between Korea and Japan. Lee visited the site on the sidelines of a ceremonial event for Japanese Emperor Naruhito’s enthronement.