President Moon Jae-in holds summit talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, on Sept. 7.

By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sept. 7 during his visit to Vladivostok, Russia. The leaders talked about issues of mutual interest, including North Korea, as well as ways to further strengthen ties.

The two leaders agreed on the need to maximize sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang and vowed to help the U.N. Security Council adopt stronger sanctions against the North, which could include a cut-off of crude oil supplies to the regime.

“As unrest prevails among both peoples of Korea and Japan after a series of provocations by the North, the two nations must join forces with the international community to impose tougher sanctions and pressure on Pyongyang so that it can give up its nuclear weapons and missiles,” said President Moon. “Hopefully, Korea and Japan -- and, also, Korea, Japan and the U.S. -- should work closely to deal with North Korean issues.”

In response, the Japanese prime minister said, “Our government will continue to persuade China and Russia so that the U.N. Security Council will include stronger sanctions in its resolution against the North."

President Moon Jae-in (right) poses for a commemorative photo with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe prior to their summit, at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia, on Sept. 7.

Both leaders stressed the importance of their “future-oriented relationship,” which they hoped would increase bilateral exchanges in terms of the economy, tourism and the arts, as well as resolve issues involving interpretations of history.

Finally, President Moon stated that, “Seoul and Tokyo will continue to share our experiences more closely and accelerate our cooperation so as to respond to rapid changes in society with low birth rates, an aging population and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

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