Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul on Dec. 11 speaks on the phone with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya to discuss Korea's internal situation and bilateral relations. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Lee Jihae

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul on Dec. 11 said, "The government will keep pursuing foreign policy in a consistent and continuous manner while maintaining the current basis of Korea-Japan relations."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs quoted him as saying this in a phone conversation with his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya on Korea's internal situation and bilateral relations.

Both ministers pledged to keep up joint efforts to develop two-way ties, saying bilateral and trilateral cooperation with the U.S. is crucial given the overall global situation including issues surrounding North Korea.

They also agreed to continue steady preparation for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Seoul-Tokyo relations next year and close communication at all levels.

jihlee08@korea.kr