[Unofficial Translation]

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to Prime Minister Kishida for his warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation. I am now the first Korean President to visit Japan for talks in 12 years.

Our meeting today holds significance to the people of both countries as it marks a new beginning for Korea-Japan relations, which have suffered numerous challenges in the past.

Korea and Japan share the universal values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law and should cooperate as partners on security, economy and global agenda.

Our two countries face an ever greater need to work together now with grave challenges confronting the values of freedom and democracy that have served as the foundation for international peace and prosperity.

Before I departed for Tokyo this morning, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile. The launch is a clear indication that the North’s increasingly sophisticated nuclear weapons and missiles pose a great threat to peace and stability not only in East Asia but also for the international community.

Korea and Japan must closely cooperate and stand in solidarity to respond wisely against this unlawful threat and the challenges facing the international community.

I believe that today’s summit will lead to fruitful discussions that can transform the stagnant relationship between Korea and Japan into one of cooperation and mutually beneficial development.

I also welcome the shuttle diplomacy between our two countries that Prime Minister Kishida mentioned. I look forward to closely communicating with the Prime Minister and working together to usher in a new era of Korea-Japan relations.