New Japanese envoy promises to further develop Korea-Japan relations

New Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima stressed the importance of cooperation between Korea and Japan, promising to develop the relationship further as he arrived in Seoul on Friday.

Koichi Mizushima, Japan's new ambassador to Korea, speaks to reporters as he arrives at Gimpo International Aiport on Friday. [YONHAP]

New Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima stressed the importance of cooperation between Korea and Japan, promising to develop the relationship further as he arrived in Seoul on Friday.

“Relations between Korea and Japan have been steadily developing under the leadership of both countries’ leaders since last year,” Mizushima told reporters as he arrived at Gimpo International Airport on Friday morning.

“I will do my best as the ambassador to Korea to maintain this momentum.”

Mizushima, who previously served as the ambassador to Israel from March 2021, will replace the outgoing envoy Koichi Aiboshi.

"This is my second time working in Korea, but I am nervous about serving as the ambassador," the new ambassador said.

Mizushima served as a minister at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul for two years from 2017 to 2019.

The new ambassador also emphasized the significance of the partnership between Korea and Japan.

“For Japan, Korea is an important partner in addressing various challenges in the international community,” he said.

Noting that next year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, he promised to "use the opportunity to further develop the relationship between the two countries."

The new envoy’s arrival on Friday came ahead of a trilateral summit among the leaders of Korea, Japan and China, widely expected to take place in Seoul at the end of this month. According to Japanese media reports, the summit will likely be held from May 26 to 27.

The top envoy also met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday, along with the outgoing ambassador Koichi Aiboshi, according to NHK. The three officials are likely to have discussed the ongoing agenda between Korea and Japan, including the upcoming trilateral summit and the Naver-Line Yahoo spat.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]