Japanese envoy calls for closer S. Korea-Japan cooperation amid global uncertainty

By Oh Seok-min

SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- Japanese Ambassador to South Korea Koichi Mizushima on Tuesday called for closer economic cooperation between Seoul and Tokyo to build a resilient and open economy amid growing uncertainty at home and abroad.

Mizushima made the remarks at the 2026 Future Economic Forum, hosted by Yonhap News Agency in Seoul under the theme "A fragmenting global economy, bridging the Korean and Japanese markets."

"Amid deepening protectionism, the realignment of global supply chains and intensifying competition over advanced technologies, uncertainty at home and abroad is growing," Mizushima said.

"It is becoming more important than ever for Japan and South Korea to work together as partners to build a strong, resilient and open economy," he added.

Mizushima said the two governments have maintained close communication, centered on regular shuttle diplomacy between their leaders, and expanded cooperation in various areas.

At their summit in May, President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed to pursue supply chain cooperation, including on critical minerals, and strengthen energy security.

"I believe that cooperation between the two countries based on mutual trust in this era of fragmentation will not only serve the interests of both countries but also contribute to stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world," Mizushima said.

The annual forum, now in its third year, aims to bring together political, business and academic figures from the two countries to explore ways to forge closer bilateral economic links as mounting global fragmentation reshapes the world economy.

graceoh@yna.co.kr
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