LDP Presidential Candidate Koizumi Says ”South Korea is an Important Neighboring Country” - Korean Media

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who is seen as a leading candidate along with Representative Sanae Takaichi in the next Liberal Democratic Party presidential election to be held on the 4th of next month, said on the 20th, "I hope for progress in Japan-Korea relations."
Japan is currently in a so-called "ruling party dominated by opposition parties" situation, but since the LDP is the largest party and it is difficult for opposition parties to unite, there is a very high possibility that the LDP president will become prime minister.
At a press conference held on the same day announcing his candidacy, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Koizumi responded to a question about Japan-Korea relations by saying, "Korea is an important neighboring country with which we should cooperate as a partner in addressing the various challenges facing the international community.
He continued, "The importance of Japan-Korea relations and Japan-US-Korea cooperation is increasing," and "I will continue shuttle diplomacy at the next summit to build trust between the leaders and further advance the relationship between our two countries."
On the other hand, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Koizumi said about visiting Yasukuni Shrine, "Some have pointed out that 'Is it okay for a member of parliament to visit every year after being elected?' but in any country, it is
"I think it's only natural to have feelings of respect and gratitude for those who risked their lives for the sake of peace, and to pledge for peace," he said. However, when asked whether he would visit Yasukuni Shrine if he were to become prime minister, he said, "I will make the appropriate decision."
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Koizumi has visited Yasukuni Shrine before, and on August 15th of this year he visited the shrine as a cabinet minister.