Joint Press Release
on the Japan-Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D.P.R.K.)
Director-General Level Consultations

August 26, 2002

Pyongyang

The Director-Level Consultation between Japan and the D.P.R.K. was held in Pyongyang on 25 and 26 August. Hitoshi Tanaka, Director General of the Asian and Oceanian Bureau, headed the Japanese delegation; Ma Chol-Su, the Director-General of the Department of Asian Affairs, headed the delegation of the D.P.R.K.

1. Both sides shared the view that the Japan-D.P.R.K. Foreign Ministers' meeting in Brunei Darussalam marked an important occasion in improving the future bilateral relationship.

2. Both sides, acknowledging the importance of the normalization so as to improve the bilateral relationship and to promote peace and stability of the region, discussed faithfully how to solve various issues related to normalizing the bilateral relationship, including the resolution of the issues from the past, and concerns of mutual interest, including those on humanitarian affairs. Both sides shared the view that it is important to have a political will for the solution of these issues.

3. Both sides acknowledged the importance of making efforts to reduce the tension on the Korean Peninsula and of promoting dialogues among the countries concerned for that purpose, and agreed to make necessary efforts.

4. Both sides welcomed the Red Cross meeting between Japan and the D.P.R.K. that was held for the solution of humanitarian issues. Both sides concurred that the government would continue to approach sincerely for an earlier resolution of the pending issues and actively cooperate with the activities of the Red Cross.

5. Both sides discussed the issue of atomic bomb victims living in D.P.R.K., and decided to continue discussion at working level, taking due consideration of the forms of assistance by Japan to atomic bomb victims living abroad.

6. Both sides decided to examine the possibility of promptly resuming the normalization talks under the method whereby they comprehensively promote the resolution of the various issues relating to the normalization of diplomatic relations and outstanding concerns between Japan and D.P.R.K. Both sides decided to make efforts to reach a consensus on this matter in a month to come. To this end, both sides agreed to hold talks as necessary.