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Japan-Republic of Korea Summit Meeting

July 1, 2002

In the afternoon of 1 July, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The following is an outline of the meeting:

1. Outline

Taking into account the historic and successful joint hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President Kim Dae-jung both expressed their determination to develop the Japan-ROK cooperative relationship to a even higher dimension on the basis of bilateral trust and respect. This is expressed in the Joint Message Toward the Future by Prime Minister Koizumi and President Kim Dae-jung, which was issued after the Summit meeting.

2. Policies toward North Korea

(1) President Kim Dae-jung explained that the recent incident involving an exchange of fire was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement, and that the ROK requested an apology, punishment for those responsible and recurrence prevention. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed concern over this incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed support for the position maintained by the Government of the Republic of Korea regarding this incident. The two leaders shared the recognition that the incident should be handled in a calm manner so as not to heighten tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

(2) Regarding policies toward North Korea, both Leaders reaffirmed the importance of close coordination by Japan, ROK and the United States of America in advancing efforts for dialogue with North Korea. President Kim Dae-jung expressed his intention to maintain the basis of the "Engagement Policy" and Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his intention to continue to offer full support for President Kim Dae-jung's position.

(3) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would make earnest efforts to Japan-North Korea normalization talks through dialogue, and to work towards solutions of security issues and humanitarian issues including the abduction issues. In response to this, President Kim Dae-jung expressed his hope towards the progress of Japan-North Korea relations.

(4) Regarding the abduction issues, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his intention to endeavor to resolve this issue, to which President Kim Dae-jung showed understanding towards this approach by the Government of Japan. President Kim Dae-jung also expressed hope for the prompt solution of this issue through dialogue.

(5) Prime Minister Koizumi expressed gratitude to the President Kim Dae-jung for ROK's cooperation in the incident at the Consulate General in Shengyang in the People's Republic of China. He welcomed the solution of the case of North Korean refugees at the Republic of Korea's Embassy in Beijing, through dialogue with the People's Republic of China. Both leaders agreed to exchange views regarding the issue of refugees from North Korea.

3. Japan-ROK Cooperation

(1) Promoting the post-World Cup Bilateral Relationship

  • Japan-ROK Joint Projects for the Future: In order to maintain the spirit of success from the World Cup, the "Japan-ROK Joint Projects for the Future" will be implemented to support sports and youth exchanges between Japan and the ROK.
  • Writing by both leaders: Writing by both leaders for the purpose mentioned above will be placed in an appropriate location.
  • Soccer exchanges: Exchanges through soccer will be advanced in the future.
  • The Year of Japan-Republic of Korea National Exchange: In light of the significant successes hitherto, both leaders agreed on continued cooperation for the next six months.
  • Opening of Japanese culture: Prime Minister Koizumi expressed hope in response to President Kim Dae-jung's statement that he will consider to take further step in opening Japanese culture while looking into development of the seven points.
  • Japan-ROK joint history study: The two leaders welcomed the launch of the joint history study. Both governments agreed to give proactive support so that meaningful studies would be conducted in order to enhance mutual understanding related to history.
  • Local suffrage for Koreans residing in Japan: In response to President Kim Dae-jung's request for positive consideration, Prime Minister Koizumi explained that the issue is currently being deliberated in the Diet.
  • Visa issue: President Kim Dae-jung requested permanent visa exemptions for Koreans visiting Japan. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that human exchanges have been amply facilitated due to the substantial visa relaxation begun at the start of 2002 and he expressed his delight over the smooth implementation of visa exemptions during the World Cup. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi, expressing his intent to make a full assessment over the visa exemption and develop environment required for future promotion of human exchanges in both countries, stated that the two countries should conduct further consultations towards visa exemptions in the future.
  • Future Diplomatic Schedule: From the perspective of further developing a future-looking Japan-ROK relationship, the following were agreed to be coordinated towards the end of 2002.
    -A visit to the Republic of Korea by Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi at the earliest date
    -Holding the 3rd Gathering of Ministers of Japan-ROK
    -The 4th Japan-ROK High-level Economic Consultation will be held on 16 July

(2) Advancing Cooperation in the areas of Economy and Trade

  • Japan-Korea FTA Joint Study Group: The two leaders welcomed the launch of the Joint Study Group with the first meeting to be held on 9 and 10 July and expressed hope for concrete discussion towards the future of both countries.
  • Japan-ROK Social Security Agreement: The two leaders agreed to expedite work within the year in order to initiate full-scale negotiations.

(3) Cooperation in the International Arena The two leaders shared the view that Japan and ROK should have even closer collaboration in the international arena for further regional cooperation and to tackle global issues at international organizations including the United Nations.

  • Peacekeeping operations in East Timor: Successful cooperation by both Japan and the ROK was welcomed.
  • Cooperation in the area of Counter-terrorism: Taking into account the success of the joint hosting of the FIFA 2002 World Cup that has become a symbol of Japan-ROK cooperation, the two leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation through consultations including those conducted by Ambassadors in charge of international counter-terrorism cooperation.
  • Expo 2010: In response to President Kim Dae-jung's request to endorse Yosu as the sight of the 2010 Expo, Prime Minister Koizumi responded that Japan has just received a report from the Bureau International des Expositions. Prime Minister Koizumi also noted that he acknowledged President Kim Dae-jung's extremely ardent petition, and said Japan will make a final decision with full consideration for the importance of Japan-ROK relations for the future.
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