Japan, SKorea take steps to restore ties

TOKYO: Japan and South Korea announced relaxed trade controls and a return of frequent reciprocal visits on Thursday, as President Yoon Suk Yeol visits Tokyo on a trip intended to rebuild ties between the regional neighbors.

For years, the two East Asian countries have been locked in a bitter spat over wartime forced labor. But since his election last May, Yoon has made it clear that repairing relations with Japan is a top priority.