FM Cho discusses bilateral ties with Japan's ruling party policy chief

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun (R) speaks with Takayuki Kobayashi (L), chairperson of the Policy Research Council of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party, at the foreign ministry in Seoul on Jan. 8, 2026, in this photo provided by the ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

FM-Japan

FM Cho discusses bilateral ties with Japan's ruling party policy chief

SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met with the policy chief of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on Thursday and discussed efforts to advance bilateral relations, along with other shared issues, the foreign ministry said.

During the meeting with Takayuki Kobayashi, chairperson of the LDP's Policy Research Council, Cho took note of the bilateral ties between Seoul and Tokyo moving forward in the right direction based on continued "shuttle diplomacy," or regular visits by their leaders, the ministry said.

Cho expressed hope that Kobayashi will further make efforts to help deepen relations between the two countries in various areas.

Kobayashi, in turn, assessed that the shuttle diplomacy has helped the bilateral ties move forward in a future-oriented and stable manner, underscoring the importance of continuing bilateral cooperation as well as the trilateral partnership with the United States.

Kobayashi, a former economic security minister, has served as the LDP policy chief since October last year. The Policy Research Council's chair oversees the party's policy-making process and is considered one of the most powerful posts within the LDP.

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