South Korean Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho has said that his country's ties with Japan should remain strong even if political changes occur in South Korea after its presidential election in June.



Kim made the remarks during a news conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo on Thursday. He is visiting Japan to discuss policies on North Korea with senior Japanese government officials.



Kim condemned North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia. Kim said the deployment shows how the North Korean regime is prioritizing its own survival over the wellbeing of its people, and sacrificing young people in foreign conflicts.



Kim went on to say that North Korea is continuing with its nuclear and missile development so that it can be recognized as a nuclear power. He said the best way to eliminate the threat from North Korea is for the international community to unite in not allowing the country to continue with nuclear development.



In this regard, he stressed the particular importance of Japan, the United States, and South Korea working closely together in response to North Korea.



He was asked for his views on the South Korean presidential election to be held this June.



Kim said that it is very difficult to predict the outcome of the election, but even if political change happens, strong South Korea-Japan relations must be maintained.