Japan’s domestic politics troubles international community, minister says

On geopolitical situation in Northeast Asia, which has deteriorated due to Japanese Prime Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine late last year, Seoul’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yun Byung-se said, “Japan`s domestic political issue has become a matter that all members of the international community are concerned about, as well as an issue in bilateral relations between Korea and Japan.” Yun made the remarks upon arriving in Washington Sunday to hold meetings with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and other leaders.

After arriving at Dulles International Airport in Washington on the day, Yun offered flowers at the Korean War Memorial, and told reporters, “I will explain the Korean government’s stance and make efforts to increase sympathy with us when meeting with U.S. leaders.”

During his three-day stay in Washington through Tuesday, Yun will meet with Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Sen. Robert Menendez, and discuss the situation in North Korea that became unstable following the execution of Jang Song Thaek, and China’s declaration of the air defense identification zone, among other agendas.

Yun said, “The political situation and trends in Pyongyang are major concerns for Seoul and Washington, and I will discuss policy direction for North Korea affairs that will continue to remain in effect over the next several years.”

Cho Tae-yong, South Korea’s chief nuclear negotiator who is accompanying Yun, will hold a separate meeting with Glyn Davies, the U.S. State Department’s chief negotiator for six-way nuclear talks.