Vice FM says S. Korea, Japan will continue dialogue amid renewed Dokdo spat
INCHEON, Nov. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Japan will continue diplomatic talks, a senior Seoul diplomat said Saturday, amid a renewed spat between the two countries over the East Sea islets of Dokdo.
First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun made the remarks upon arriving home from Washington where he held talks with his U.S. and Japanese counterparts -- Wendy Sherman and Takeo Mori.
Tensions over Dokdo flared when Mori boycotted a joint press availability set to involve all three diplomats, in protest over the recent visit to Dokdo by a top South Korean police officer.
"There is no discontinuity in dialogue or consultations between the diplomatic authorities (of the two countries) and they will continue," Choi told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul.
"We will have consultations over issues that need to be discussed, but we will strictly stick to principles," he said.
The vice minister also said that there isn't any territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan -- in a reiteration of Seoul's position that Dokdo is its inherent territory historically, geographically and by international law.
Dokdo has long been a recurring source of tension between the two neighbors, as Tokyo continues to make sovereignty claims in its policy papers, public statements and school textbooks.
South Korea has been in effective control of Dokdo, with a small police detachment, since its liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
N.K. leader declares victory in fight against COVID-19: state media
-
DP slams Yoon's absence during record rainfall
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(LEAD) Bill Gates calls for S. Korea to play leading role in global health cooperation
-
(2nd LD) Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
16 dead, missing in record rainfall in Seoul, surrounding areas in 3 days
-
DP slams Yoon's absence during record rainfall
-
(Yonhap Interview) Chinese ambassador says no Beijing-Seoul 'decoupling,' warns of impact from U.S.-led groups
-
S. Korea, U.S. to stage preparatory military drills before major field exercise
-
(LEAD) Homes of ex-top security officials raided in probe into N. Korea's killing of fisheries official
-
(LEAD) Bill Gates calls for S. Korea to play leading role in global health cooperation
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization