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Kishida's final, whirlwind trip to his neighbour as leader came
as the two leaders seek to seal their newfound partnership which
will be tested by imminent changes of leaders in Tokyo and
Washington.
Kishida, who will step down this month, emphasised the need to
continue efforts to improve bilateral ties, once again
expressing sympathy for Koreans who suffered during Japan's
1910-45 colonial rule.
"There is a lot of history ... but it is very important to
inherit the efforts of our predecessors who overcame difficult
times, and cooperate toward the future," Kishida told Yoon at
the meeting.
"I've also said here in Seoul that I feel heartbroken that so
many people have had such difficult, sad experiences in such
difficult circumstances," he added, referring to his earlier
comment during a visit last year.
Yoon also called for sustaining the positive momentum of
cooperation built by the two leaders, saying next year could
provide "a turning point" for the relationship to take a leap
forward marking its 60th anniversary.
"There are still difficult issues remaining in Korea-Japan
relations. I hope that both sides will continue to work together
with a forward-looking attitude so that we can continue to take
steps toward a brighter future."
(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin, Josh Smith and Dogyun Kim in Seoul,
Tim Kelly and John Geddie in Tokyo, David Brunnstrom in
Washington, Additional reporting by Hyunsu Yim, Writing by Jack
Kim; Editing by Ed Davies and Stephen Coates)
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