Japanese PM Kishida visits Seoul

BY A STAFF REPORTER: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Seoul on Sunday to meet With South Korean President Yoon Suk-yol. Kishida's bilateral visit, the first visit by a Japanese leader to Seoul in 12 years, reversed Yun's visit to Tokyo in March, where they sought to close a chapter in the historical disputes that have dominated Japan-South Korea relations for years.

South Korean officials are optimistic that Kishida will offer some political support in return, though few observers expect a formal apology for the historic mistake. Yun himself has indicated that he does not believe it is necessary.

"Within the framework of the Washington Declaration, which outlines plans to strengthen enhanced deterrence, Korea will explore ways to increase cooperation efforts with Japan," he said. '