Japan and South Korea Sign Agreement on Emergency Evacuation
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met in Seoul on September 6th, 2023, and signed an agreement to work together in evacuating their citizens from third countries during emergencies. This marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the two nations, which has seen dramatic improvement under the leadership of Kishida and Yoon.
The agreement, the first of its kind for Japan, pledges that the two countries will share information and work closely together when the situation in a third country necessitates the evacuation of their citizens. This includes regular consultations between senior government officials, even during peacetime, to ensure preparedness and coordination.
Kishida expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in Japan-South Korea relations, highlighting the strong partnership he has developed with President Yoon. He emphasized the importance of continuing on this path and expressed his commitment to further strengthening the relationship, regardless of his future position.
The summit also addressed other key issues, including the upcoming 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the two countries. Kishida and Yoon discussed the possibility of simplifying travel procedures for their citizens, fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Furthermore, they acknowledged the growing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia and agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and their partnership with the United States in response to this development.
This agreement and the positive discussions held during the summit demonstrate the significant progress made in Japan-South Korea relations. Both leaders expressed their commitment to continued cooperation and exchanges, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future for both nations.