Fourth Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue

March 13, 2007

The Fourth Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue was held on March 12 (Mon), in Tokyo between Mr. Shotaro Yachi, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Cho Jung-pyo, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the ROK.
(1) In the Dialogue, they exchanged views on how to further develop bilateral relations as partners who share fundamental values, and agreed on the importance of promoting exchanges between the two countries such as governmental talks and the youth exchange programs. They affirmed the importance of managing the issues of concern through close communication and coordination. On the issue of "comfort women", Japan explained afresh its basic stance of standing by the statement by the then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono.

(2) On the North Korean issues, they confirmed the importance of continuing close cooperation between the two countries in order to steadily implement the agreement of the Six-Party Talks in last February. Japan explained the results of the recent meeting of the "Working Group on Normalization of Japan - DPRK Relations". They also exchanged views on the United Nations and relationship with the United States and China.

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