South Korean President Moon Jae-in arrived in Japan on Wednesday to open what he said would be a “new chapter” in bilateral ties, with Tokyo lifting some of its restrictions on high-level exchanges.
The visit comes as the two countries seek to rebuild their relationship following a bitter trade dispute last year.
Moon and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are set to hold talks on Thursday, with North Korea’s nuclear program, Japan’s wartime history and economic cooperation expected to top the agenda.
“I will make this visit a new chapter in the South Korea-Japan relationship,” Moon said in a speech shortly before his departure from Seoul. “I will do my best to lay the foundation for the future of the two countries and for peace and prosperity in East Asia.”
Moon’s three-day trip is his first official visit to Japan since taking office in May 2017. He is also scheduled to meet Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace.