A new future for Japan-South Korea relations.

On June 22, Japan and South Korea celebrated the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Park Geun-hye attended the commemorative ceremonies held in Tokyo and Seoul, respectively. In his speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe emphasized that Japan and South Korea share strategic interests.

South Korean President Park Geun-hye (right) and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit held in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo: Kyodo)

Looking at the overall situation in Northeast Asia, strengthening bilateral cooperation between Japan and South Korea, and among the three countries of Japan, South Korea, and the United States, will contribute to peace and stability in both countries and the Asia-Pacific region.

Therefore, Shinzo Abe believes that cooperation between the two countries on regional and global issues will be the link to create the beginning of a new future.

At a similar ceremony in Seoul, South Korean President Park Geun-hye also affirmed: "Japan and South Korea have taken the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations as a turning point to move together towards new cooperation and a brighter future." At the same time, when addressing outstanding historical issues, President Park Geun-hye emphasized the crucial importance of removing the heavy burdens of history and the past through reconciliation and cooperation.

Earlier, during the historic talks between the two countries' foreign ministers, many important issues aimed at removing obstacles to improving bilateral relations were agreed upon, such as the registration of the Meiji Restoration Complex in Japan as a World Heritage Site, strengthening high-level dialogue, and expediting the bilateral summit that had been stalled for many years.

According to political analysts, with this shift in perspective from the governments of both countries, bilateral relations will improve and contribute to peace and stability in the region and the world.

According to VOV.vn