S. Korea seeks better ties with Japan

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is calling for better relations with Japan. He says historical truth shouldn't be ignored but his country should look to the future instead of dwelling too much on its past.

Lee Myung-bak made the remarks on the anniversary marking Korea's 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule.

Lee Myung-bak said, "Republic of Korea and Japan should build a future-oriented relationship by adopting a pragmatic attitude. While we should never ignore history, we also cannot give up on future relations and be bound by the past forever."

Japan colonized the Korean Peninsula from 1910 until its defeat in World War Two in 1945.

On March 1st, 1919, hundreds of thousands of Koreans rose up against Japan and demanded independence.

During his election campaign, Lee said that improving ties with the US and Japan will be one of his top priorities.

Immediately after taking office on Monday, the new president held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. Both sides agreed to hold regular summits and promote talks on a free trade deal.

Officials say Lee will visit Japan in the next few months and Fukuda will be invited back to Seoul later this year.