South Korea conferred a medal on Yoshiro Mori, a former Japanese prime minister, on Tuesday in recognition of his contribution to the two countries' reltions, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.
Mori served as Japan's prime minister from 2000-2001 and he has been working as chair of the Japan-South Korea Parliamentarians' Union for a
decade.
"I appreciate your efforts for the development of South Korea-Japan relations while serving as prime minister and chair of the union," President
Lee Myung-bak was quoted as saying, presenting Mori with the Grand Gwanghwa Medal, the top order of diplomatic service usually granted to former and current foreign heads of state.
The president also said he was grateful for Japan's support for South Korea's response to North Korea's recent shelling of the border island of Yeonpyeong, according to presidential spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung.
The Japanese government and the Japan-South Korea Parliamentarians' Union issued quick statements condemning the North's attack, Lee noted.
In response, Mori said he would continue to help promote Seoul-Tokyo ties, the spokeswoman said.