SEOUL: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called on Friday at a summit in Seoul to keep up the momentum behind an improvement in relations, which will be tested by imminent changes of leaders in Tokyo and Washington.
Kishida's final, whirlwind trip to his neighbour as prime minister came as the two leaders seek to seal their newfound partnership after orchestrating an about-face in ties, prodded by US President Joe Biden.
Relations between the two regional allies had sunk to their lowest level in decades amid acrimonious diplomatic and trade disputes over Japan's 1910-45 occupation of the Korean Peninsula.
Kishida emphasised the need to continue efforts to advance bilateral ties, once again expressing sympathy for Koreans who suffered during Japanese 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 comments during a visit last year.
Yoon also called for sustaining the positive momentum of cooperation built by the leaders, saying next year could provide "a turning point" for the relationship to take a leap forward marking its 60th anniversary.
The two welcomed the signing of an agreement to facilitate the evacuation of each others' citizens from an emergency in a third country, which Kishida called a symbol of growing trust.
They also agreed to work together to simplify immigration procedures for travellers, and ensure that North Korea cannot utilise Russia's backing to stage more provocations, according to Yoon's deputy national security adviser, Kim Tae-hyo.
Kishida has announced he will step down this month and Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party will hold elections on Sept 27 to choose his successor. He is due to return to Tokyo on Saturday after dining with Yoon on Friday night, their offices said.
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