Japan-U.S. leaders welcome Korean gov's proposed solution to former forced laborers

Japan and the United States expressed their "welcome" to the South Korean government's announcement of a solution to the "former forced labor compensation issue" on March 6th.

"Today's announcements by South Korea and Japan mark a landmark new chapter in cooperation and partnership between America's closest allies," US President Joe Biden said in a statement on Monday.

"Through a historic foreign consultation, South Korean President Yoon Seo-gyul and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have taken an important step toward building a safer, more secure, and more prosperous future for the people of the two countries," President Biden said.

He added, "We will continue to support the leaders of Japan and South Korea," adding, "We hope that the trilateral relationship between South Korea, Japan, and the United States will continue to be strengthened."

US Secretary of State Anthony Brinken also welcomed the announcement, calling it a "historic announcement."

On the other hand, Prime Minister Kishida said, "I appreciate it as an effort to restore healthy relations between Japan and South Korea."

He continued, "South Korea is an important country that should cooperate in dealing with various issues in the international community."

He also emphasized, "I will continue to develop Japan-South Korea relations while maintaining close communication with President Yoon."