TOKYO, Nov 19 (KUNA) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday his government will try "till the last moment" to avoid the termination of an accord with Japan on exchanging military information, Yonhap News Agency reported.
But Moon made clear that depends on Tokyo's stance on its export restriction against Seoul, the report said. Although the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is scheduled to come to an end this weekend, South Korea will maintain partnerships with Japan on regional security, he added. US officials have voiced worries about potential negative impact on teamwork in Northeast Asia security, primarily against Pyongyang and Beijing. Moon pointed out that Japan's export controls against South Korea are behind Seoul's decision to ditch GSOMIA. "We took measures that we naturally had to take," the president said, adding that Japan changes tack and seeks to resolve the issue of export control and GSOMIA, South Korea is willing to work together with it. On the Korea peace process, Moon said his initiative to improve inter-Korean ties is going relatively slow since it's tied with progress in Washington-Pyongyang dialogue on denuclearization.
"A development in South-North relations should be abreast of the international community," especially with Pyongyang and Washington engaged in nuclear talks, he said. (end) mk.gta