Kono complains about reversal of WTO Ruling on Korea

May 23, 2019

Paris--Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono complained Wednesday about the recent reversal of a ruling on South Korea's import ban on Japanese fishery products by the World Trade Organization's Appellate Body.

In talks in Paris, Kono told WTO Director-General Robert Azevedo that trust in the organization has decreased significantly in Japan after the Appellate Body's decision in favor of the ban last month.

Kono requested that the WTO reform its dispute settlement system to restore its trust with Japan.

He also stated that it is deplorable that the dispute settlement system did not work in a way it should, according to a Foreign Ministry official.

Azevedo said he wants to cooperate with Japan as much possible and that further discussions among WTO members are needed. Jiji Press