Ninth Round of Negotiations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) on the Delimitation of the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) and the Negotiations on the Provisional Framework concerning Cooperation in Marine Scientific Research

May 2, 2008

The Ninth Round of Negotiations between Japan and the Republic of Korea (R.O.K.) on the Delimitation of the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) and the Negotiations on the Provisional Framework concerning Cooperation in Marine Scientific Research was held on May 2 (Fri) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting was attended on the Japanese side by Mr. Ichiro Komatsu, Director-General of the International Legal Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other officials concerned from the Ministry, the Japan Coast Guard and the Fisheries Agency; and on the R.O.K. side by Mr. Im Han Taek, Director-General for Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other officials concerned from the Ministry, Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs, and Maritime Police Agency.
(1) At the meeting, the participants candidly exchanged views on the delimitation of the EEZ. They will continue the discussion with a view to agreeing delimitation in accordance with international law.

(2) They also discussed issues on the provisional framework concerning cooperation on maritime scientific research until the delimitation of the EEZ is determined.

(3) The participants agreed to hold the next round of negotiations at the earliest time possible in the latter half of this year in Seoul. The concrete schedule will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

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