Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan says when the Japanese government makes territorial claims over the Dokdo islets, South Koreans see it as another attempt to invade Korea.

Kim made the remark during an interview with the Associated Press in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly as he stressed that Koreans are victims of Japanese colonial rule.

Kim, who is set to hold discussions with his Japanese counterpart, added that South Korea has no intention to compromise with Japan over the issue of Dokdo. Kim said he hopes the Japanese government will understand the sentiment of the Korean people.

However, Kim was quick to add that South Korea and Japan are allies with shared interests when it comes to tackling North Korea’s nuclear ambitions.

In particular, Kim said South Korea wants to advance its ties with Japan, including military cooperation, but progress can only be realized if the sentiment of the Korean people allows it.