SEOUL: As Seoul and Tokyo try to continue their "shuttle diplomacy" and heal relations in the face of escalating nuclear threats from Pyongyang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida landed in South Korea on Sunday.
On Sunday, PM Kishida's plane touched down at Seoul Airport in Seongnam, marking the first official visit by a Japanese leader to South Korea in more than ten years. Before a crucial summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol later in the day, he was met by authorities.
The East Asian neighbours, who are both important U.S. security allies, have long-standing disagreements on historical matters related to Japan's cruel 1910–1945 colonial occupation of the Korean peninsula, including sexual slavery and forced labour.
However, President Yoon has made mending fences with Japan a primary priority for his government and made a significant visit to Tokyo in March.
Before leaving on Sunday, PM Kishida stated that the two leaders were working to resume their so-called "shuttle diplomacy" which had been put on hold for years due to a contentious trade dispute involving the problem of forced labour.
President Yoon and Prime Minister Kishida agreed to cease tit-for-tat trade restrictions during their summit in March, and PM Kishida invited President Yoon to the G7 summit in Hiroshima this month.
PM Kishida stated that he was anticipating "an honest exchange of views" with President Yoon "based on a relationship of trust".
PM Kishida will lay flowers at the Seoul National Cemetery after his arrival, which is home to South Korea's war dead. On Sunday in the late afternoon, he will speak with President Yoon.
As per local rumours, President Yoon is anticipated to throw a dinner party at the presidential mansion, where he would probably serve Korean barbecue. He may even prepare food for PM Kishida.