Japan: ``South Korea is an important neighbor''... ``Former forced labor compensation judgment is unacceptable'' = South Korean report

In the draft of its new diplomatic bluebook, the Japanese government evaluated South Korea, which is currently improving relations, as ``an important neighboring country that should cooperate as a partner in dealing with various issues faced by the international community.''
, Kyodo News reported on the 21st. In addition, regarding the South Korean Supreme Court's (Supreme Court) ruling since December last year that found the defendant companies responsible for compensating Japanese former workers, the Japanese government said, ``Never.''
"This is unacceptable," he reiterated his position. Meanwhile, he called on North Korea to completely dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Regarding the issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals, he said, ``There are time constraints, and we cannot afford to waste any time.''
"This is a humanitarian issue that cannot be solved," he said, clarifying his stance of aiming for an early resolution and progress. The Diplomatic Bluebook is a white paper published every year by the Japanese government that summarizes the international situation and diplomatic activities in general.