Seoul, April 9 (Yonhap) -- Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho is set to embark on a three-day visit to Japan today, where he will engage in discussions with senior officials regarding policies related to the unification of the Koreas and North Korean issues, as reported by his ministry.
The visit, scheduled to last until Friday, April 11, 2025, aims to enhance cooperation between South Korea and Japan concerning unification matters and North Korean policies under the administration of Shigeo Iejiiba. According to a ministry official, Kim plans to hold meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Takishi Iwaya.
During his visit, Kim also intends to address the foreign press corps in Japan about South Korea's unification policies and participate in a local forum. The ministry expressed optimism that Kim's trip will bolster collaboration between Seoul and Tokyo on various issues, including efforts to recover abductees held in North Korea.
Additionally, the ministry anticipates that this visit will elevate the bilateral partnership, especially as both nations celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. The ministry emphasized its commitment to further high-level consultations with major countries regarding policies on unification and North Korea.
Meanwhile, the Japanese government is grappling with the implications of U.S. trade measures imposed by President Donald Trump. The administration has enacted additional tariffs of 25% on all car imports to the United States, a move that has raised concerns among Japanese officials.
In response, Chief Cabinet Secretary Iejiiba Shigeo has formed a task force composed of all government ministers to address these tariffs. He instructed the team to exert every effort to mitigate the impact of these trade restrictions.
As part of retaliatory measures, Japan plans to impose a tariff of 24% on U.S. goods, effective Wednesday, April 9, 2025. During a team meeting on April 8, 2025, Iejiiba voiced his concerns about the broad trade restrictions from the U.S., stating that they could significantly affect the global economy and the multilateral trading system.
Iejiiba noted that he had a phone conversation with Trump the previous evening, during which he conveyed his views and underscored the importance of continued serious and constructive negotiations between the two countries.
"The car industry is a key sector for Japan, while steel and aluminum industries are vital for our economy," Iejiiba remarked. He expressed that the reciprocal trade measures imposed by the U.S. could have a substantial impact across various industries and called for a unified government effort to tackle these challenges.
The newly formed task force is tasked with thoroughly analyzing the potential impact of U.S. policies on Japan and providing full support to local industries affected by these tariffs, including financial assistance.
In addition to trade discussions, Kim Yung-ho's visit is significant as it represents a multifaceted approach to enhancing diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. The ongoing tensions in North Korea and the recent developments in U.S.-Japan trade relations underscore the need for cooperative strategies.
As both nations navigate these complex issues, the outcomes of Kim's meetings in Japan could set the tone for future collaboration in addressing regional security and economic stability.
With the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties approaching, both countries are keen to strengthen their partnership, particularly in the face of external pressures from North Korea and the United States. The ministry's emphasis on high-level consultations reflects a proactive stance to engage with key global players regarding unification policies.
The broader implications of Kim's visit may extend beyond bilateral discussions, potentially influencing regional dynamics as South Korea seeks to align its strategies with Japan in addressing North Korean provocations.
Ultimately, the success of Kim Yung-ho's diplomatic mission in Japan will depend on the ability of both nations to find common ground amidst their historical complexities and current geopolitical challenges.
