South Korea’s security adviser affirms good Japan ties ahead of leader’s visit

South Korea’s National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac affirmed good ties with senior Japanese Cabinet members during discussions held in Tokyo, ahead of a visit by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Japan expected early next year.

Wi spoke with Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in two separate meetings on Monday. Wi confirmed with both Kihara and Motegi the importance of forward-looking and stable development of ties between Seoul and Tokyo, and agreed that the governments will continue to work together closely, according to statements from Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

Motegi also said that Japan and South Korea are important neighbors and should work together on various international issues as partners. He pointed to the increasing importance of cooperation not only between Japan and South Korea, but also trilaterally with the U.S. as the security environment becomes increasingly tense, according to the statement.