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Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, who is visiting Japan, met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and delivered a letter from President Moon Jae-in today. It was the same that the relationship between the two countries could not be left anymore. However, there was still a big difference in terms of specific issues.

I'm a clinical reporter.

<Reporter>

The talks began calmly, reflecting the first-ever high-ranking talks between Korea and Japan, which were held after the Supreme Court's condemnation in October last year.

In the 21-minute meeting, which was longer than scheduled, the two prime ministers agreed that they could not let go of the worsening relationship.

A letter from President Moon Jae-in was sent to Korea to try to resolve the issues early on.

However, he had a nerve war on issues such as reimbursement.

When Abe presses on the promise of cross-country commitments, he has complied with the Korea-Japan billing agreement and is expected to do so.

[Lee Nak-yeon / Prime Minister: The situation is still very difficult. But now I have a little more hope than when I was on this plane two days ago.]

Mr. Lee also expressed hopes for a summit meeting, assuming improved relations.

[Lee Nak-yeon / Prime Minister: I briefly shared my expectations. No time, no place, no place.]

The government foresaw that the talks between the two countries will be active.

In terms of 'conversational atmosphere', the achievements have been made, but it is still too early to talk about improving relations.

Japanese media reported heavily on the talks today, but said they ran parallel to the issue of recruitment, a key issue.

(Video coverage: Kim Taehoon, Video editing: Jung Yonghwa)