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Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit Meeting
(Outline)

16 October 2001

The following is an outline of the Summit talks held between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Kim Dae Jung on the occasion of Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to the ROK on 15 October.

1. History-related Issues

(1) Perception of Past History

President Kim stated that he valued Prime Minister Koizumi's words of heartfelt remorse, apology and future-looking development at the Sodaemun Independence Park.

(2) Text Book Issue

  1. President Kim stated that it was of great regret that Japan-ROK relations, which had developed so well since 1998, were now stagnating due to such issues as that of the history text books. He mentioned that this issue was related to the fundamentals of Japan-ROK relations. President Kim hoped that Japan would understand the feelings and concerns of the people of the ROK, and would pay due attention to the provision concerning neighboring countries.
  2. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that the important thing on this issue was to have a framework in place, where historical perceptions of the ROK side could be heard. To this end the Prime Minister stated that it was important to establish a forum where scholars and historians could exchange their views, with a view to making fair judgments on historical perception, and in so doing deepen mutual understanding.
  3. President Kim indicated his agreement to Prime Minister Koizumi's words.

(3) Visit to Yasukuni Shrine

  1. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he had visited Yasukuni Shrine to pay respects to the victims of wars with a strong resolve that Japan should never fight a war again. The Prime Minister also stated that he would like to consider within the government what could be done for the people both inside and outside Japan to pay honor to the war dead comfortably. Prime Minister Koizumi also stated that based on Japan's serious and deep thoughts concerning peace, he would take the words of President Kim seriously and further work to deepen mutual understanding in the future.
  2. In response President Kim stated that he fully understood Prime Minister Koizumi's remarks concerning remembrance of the war dead for the country. At the same time, the President noted that he hoped Prime Minister Koizumi would deal prudently with the issue of Class A war criminals.

2. Response to the Terrorist Attacks in the United States

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that under the resolve of not resorting to use of force, Japan took various measures to prevent and combat terrorism, but that this in no way implied a resurgence of militarism in Japan. The Prime Minister further stated that in response to terrorism there were many activities in which Japan and the ROK could cooperate, including diplomatic efforts, information exchanges and efforts to prevent the supply of funding to terrorism.

(2) In response President Kim stated that he agreed with Prime Minister Koizumi that there were many areas in which Japan and the ROK could cooperate in response to terrorism, but that it was important that the activities of the Self-Defense Forces should be carried out within the framework of the peace Constitution.

3. Issue Concerning Saury Fishing in the Waters around the Four Northern Islands

(1) President Kim noted that this issue was a commercial one for the ROK, whereas it might be a territorial one for Japan and that vital interests were at stake for ROK fishermen. President Kim proposed a high-level working meeting on this issue soon.

(2) In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that high prudence was required on this matter as it is concerned with territorial issues, but that he also understood that it was a serious issue for the ROK fishing industry, and he agreed with President Kim to hold high-level talks in the near future.

4. Bilateral Cooperation, Including the Joint Holding of the FIFA World Cup and Human Exchange

Discussion took place on the following issues related to the enhancement of bilateral exchanges:

(1) Visa Issues - President Kim expressed the hope that progress would be made in the visa issue, to which Prime Minister Koizumi responded that both country's efforts were required for visa relaxation.

(2) Safety Measures related to terrorism - Both sides agreed to cooperate closely towards the success of the FIFA World Cup.

(3) Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) - Both sides agreed to continue to make efforts so that basic agreement could be reached by the end of the year.

(4) Pension Agreement - President Kim expressed the hope that the negotiations would begin soon. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would like to make the necessary preparations towards negotiations.

(5) Air Transport between Japan and the ROK - Both sides share the view that they would cooperate on increasing air transport capacity between the two countries.

(6) Korean victims of the atomic bombings living in the ROK - President Kim requested an affirmative review of this issue. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he intended to make progress on this issue.

5. Issue of Granting Local Suffrage to Permanent Korean Residents of Japan

(1) President Kim requested Prime Minister Koizumi to make efforts to ensure that this issue be implemented in light of its background.

(2) In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he fully understood President Kim's strong interest in this matter and that he would continue to hold discussions on this matter.

(END)

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