Historic Japan visit draws approval

On the eve of the first-ever meeting between the leaders of Tokyo and Pyeongyang, neighbors restated their support for the Japanese leader's visit to the reclusive communist state and anticipated that the visit will bring favorable changes to the region.

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi gets together with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il Tuesday in Pyeongyang.

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov told Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi that it is important for Japan to support the North Korea's reform drive. "Mr. Kim is aware of the importance for North Korea to become a modern country and thinks his country should move toward a market economy," the Japanese Kyodo News Agency quoted Mr. Ivanov as saying. Mr. Ivanov emphasized the importance of supporting Mr. Kim, noting that his reform plans may not be endorsed by all the people surrounding him.

Meeting with Ms. Kawaguchi on Sunday in New York on the sidelines of the annual United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Ivanov repeated Russia hopes that the talks between Mr. Koizumi and Mr. Kim will help improve Japanese and North Korean ties.

In a separate meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Choi Sung-hong on Monday, the Japanese foreign minister said Mr. Koizumi will urge Mr. Kim that North Korea must show serious attitudes to resolve pending issues including Pyeongyang's missile and nuclear programs. Mr. Koizumi is also expected to urge Mr. Kim to develop inter-Korean relations.

Mr. Choi said that Mr. Koizumi's visit to the North will bring meaningful progress in Japan-North Korea relations. The Tuesday's visit is expected to pave the way to restore diplomatic ties between Tokyo and Pyeongyang by resolving longstanding prerequisites such as Pyeongyang's alleged abduction of Japanese citizens and Japan's apology and compensation for its colonial rule.

by Oh Young-hwan