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The upcoming meeting between the top leaders of Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) must be seen as a breakthrough in the two countries' bilateral relations.
On Friday, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda announced that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi will make a one-day visit to Pyongyang on September 17 to hold talks with DPRK leader Kim Jong-il over security issues and bilateral ties.
Pyongyang also confirmed this news on the same day.
Since Tokyo and Pyongyang have not yet established diplomatic relations, this first-ever visit by a Japanese prime minister is regarded as an ice-breaking trip.
Moreover, the forthcoming trip to a country referred by Washington as part of "axis of evils" seems more unusual since Japan is an ally of the United States.
Koizumi's visit is part of Japan's overall diplomacy.
Compared with the territorial dispute between Japan and Russia, which is related to the issue of sovereignty, the normalization of bilateral ties between Pyongyang and Tokyo is something relatively easier to achieve.
Also, as Koizumi's economic reforms have not been effective as expected, domestic support for him, according to Japan's media, has been decreasing steadily.
Nevertheless, this trip, during which the much-concerned issue of missing Japanese nationals is expected to be discussed, could help Koizumi to win back some of that lost support.
Pyongyang has also been active in breaking its diplomatic isolation. And the economic reforms started by Kim Jong-il in late July need a peaceful environment and foreign capital.
Therefore, it is in Pyongyang's interests to seek support from and rapprochement with the international community, in particular, with neighboring countries. Japan's olive branch undoubtedly marks a victory for the DPRK's diplomatic effort.
The international community, including China, Russia and the Republic of Korea, has expressed their approval of the Japan-DPRK reconciliation.
However since talks on normalization of bilateral ties have been stalled for two years, it may be too early to expect any breakthroughs.
(China Daily September 2, 2002)
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