By Lee Tae-hoon
Rep. Sohn Hak-kyu, chairman of the main opposition Democratic Party (DP), met his counterpart of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Tuesday to discuss ways to boost bilateral ties, especially over securing energy sources.
The DP leader flew to Tokyo for a three-day trip shortly after holding talks with President Lee Myung-bak Monday, during which he also plans to promote Korea’s bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province.
“The nuclear reactor crisis in Fukushima has reminded us of the importance of optimizing power grids and diversifying energy sources, including renewable energy,” Sohn told DPJ Acting President Yoshito Sengoku.
The DP leader said Japan’s accumulated technological superiority and lessons it has learned from its own mistakes will help the island country and Korea make a breakthrough on energy.
“I’d propose Japan cooperate and jointly respond to the energy problem,” he said.
In response, Yoshito suggested that Seoul and Tokyo launch joint ventures in the energy sector.
“Russia is trying to produce and sell its natural gas in Siberia to both Korea and Japan.” the Japanese party’s interim leader said.
“If Seoul and Tokyo launch a joint venture, the two will be able to avoid unnecessary competition and improve bilateral relations.”
Yoshito said the two neighboring countries will be able to import oil and natural gas at a lower rate if they forge a strategic partnership in the purchase of fossil fuels.
“Let us seek win-win conditions regarding energy issues, including the development of renewable energy,” he said.
Later in the day, Sohn held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, chief Cabinet secretary Yukio Edano and other political heavy weights, including Lower House speaker Takahiro Yokomichi.
The DP chairman asked for their support for PyeongChang’s hosting of the Winter Olympics.
The Korean winter sports resort city lost to Vancouver, Canada and Sochi, Russia, in the two previous bids.
According to DP officials, Sohn will visit China next from July 4 and 7 to hold talks with Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and other senior officials over the security issues on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia.