Japan apologizes to South Korea for its past colonial rule over Korean Peninsula; North Korea also demands apology; Japan contemplates sending SDF forces to Pakistan for flood relief operations; Japan vows to continue providing aid to Central Asia
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    • In a major development, Japan’s Prime Minister Naoto Kan has apologized to South Korea for Japan's past colonial rule over Korean Peninsula from 1910 to 1945. Japan has extended the apology aiming at building future-oriented bilateral relations with South Korea. In a statement which was endorsed by Japanese Cabinet members, PM Kan expressed deep regret over the suffering inflicted during Japan's colonial rule in Korean peninsula.1 However, reacting to the development, North Korea has also demanded an apology and compensation for its harsh colonial rule from Japan. It would be worth noting that Japan did not mention about North while offering apology to South Korea.2

    Meanwhile, reports noted that the Japanese government is contemplating over sending its Self-Defense Forces helicopter units to flood affected areas of northwestern Pakistan’ on a relief duty.3

    Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada has expressed determination to continue providing aid for Central Asia to fight terrorism and drugs from neighboring Afghanistan. Okada promised this over a meeting with Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Ruslan Kazakbaev. Okada also expressed desire to expand cooperation between Japan and Uzbekistan in the areas of natural resources.4

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