Visit to Japan of Mr. Yu Myung-Hwan, First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea

March 6, 2006

The second Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue was held on 6 March in Tokyo. The Japanese representative was Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shotaro Yachi, and from the ROK, First Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Yu Myung-Hwan took part in the dialogue.

In the meeting, views on how to further develop the bilateral relations were exchanged, and both sides confirmed that it is extremely important to develop, as well as to maintain, the existing cordial and cooperative relationship between the two countries, which share the fundamental value of liberal democracy and market economy and are also allies of the United States. Issues such as Korean residents in Sakhalin, history issues, and promotion of youth exchange programs and working holidays were also touched upon during the dialogue.

Firmly grounded on such basic understandings, the two sides frankly discussed from a broad perspective how the two countries can cooperate in building peace and stability in North East Asia, in achieving early resumption of the Six Party Talks, and in terms of their respective relations with the United States. Other international issues of common concern were also discussed.

Mr. Yu paid courtesy calls on Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso and Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe. In the exchange of views that took place, Mr. Yu expressed sincere thanks for Japan's permanent visa exemption measure for the nationals of the Republic of Korea. With regard to North Korea, both sides confirmed their close cooperation with a view to resolving various issues of concern including the early resumption of the Six Party Talks and the abduction issue.

(END)

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