South Korea’s Prez Refers To Japan As A “Partner” In Addressing Economic Issues

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called Japan a “partner” in addressing security and economic challenges on Wednesday, as he commemorated the nation's 1919 independence movement against Japanese colonial rule.

Yoon made the remark during his first speech commemorating the 1 March Independence Movement at the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall in Seoul, according to Yonhap news agency.

“Now, a century after the 1 March Independence Movement, Japan has transformed from a militaristic aggressor to a partner who shares the same universal values as us,” he said.

“Korea and Japan now work together on security and economic issues. We also collaborate to address global challenges,” he added. 

Yoon also emphasised the significance of trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the US and Japan.

“Trilateral cooperation among the Republic of Korea, the United States, and Japan has become more important than ever to overcome security crises, including North Korea's growing nuclear threats and the global poly-crisis,” he said, using the official name of South Korea.