(MENAFN) Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized the importance of building a “future-oriented cooperative relationship” with China and South Korea, as reported by Japan’s Foreign Ministry on Friday.

During a meeting attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-Yul, and Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, Ishiba stated that China and South Korea are “extremely important neighboring countries of Japan.”

The courtesy meeting between Ishiba, Wang, and Cho transpired a day ahead of a planned gathering of the three foreign ministers. Acknowledging occasional challenges between the three nations, Ishiba stressed that they are “neighboring countries.” He acknowledged that the three nations experience occasional difficulties, but stressed the importance of continued dialogue, even on sensitive issues.

He reiterated his desire to “build a future-oriented cooperative relationship through pragmatic diplomacy based on national interests.”

Ishiba also emphasized that the three countries hold “significant influence and responsibilities” in maintaining “peace and prosperity” in Asia. He noted that their cooperation would not only benefit the region but also contribute to global stability.

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