Business leaders of South Korea and Japan on Friday urged forward-looking and mutually beneficial relations as both nations prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic ties next year. The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) and the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, co-hosted the 31st Korea-Japan Business Council in Seoul, attended by 17 South Korean and seven Japanese business leaders. In his opening remarks, FKI Chairman Ryu Jin called for both countries to prepare for a new chapter in their partnership as they approach the milestone anniversary as next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. "Business leaders from both countries should chart a course for the next 60 years," he said. "We need to address current challenges, such as low birth rates, rural decline and the climate crisis, while exploring ways to lead the global economy together." Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura echoed this sentiment, urging greater efforts to strength en Korea-Japan relations as they commemorate the anniversary. After the annual council, the business leaders adopted a joint declaration, pledging ongoing efforts toward future-oriented cooperation and shared prosperity. The joint statement emphasized collaboration in international forums like the OECD, APEC, G20 and G7, as well as strengthening supply chains, promoting clean energy initiatives, establishing global standards for emerging industries and deepening economic cooperation. Source: Yonhap News Agency