Friday, May 22, 2009

The Prime Minister Meets with Dr. Han Seung-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK)

Prime Minister Taro Aso held talks with Dr. Han Seung-soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea (ROK), at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the beginning, Prime Minister Aso stated that he wished to develop Japan-ROK relations with Mr. Lee Myung-bak, President of the ROK, further into a future-oriented and mature partnership, and requested Prime Minister Han's cooperation in that regard. In response, Prime Minister Han extended President Lee's regards to Prime Minister Aso, and stated that he was pleased that ROK-Japan relations had been developing in a favorable manner since Prime Minister Aso took office.

Prime Minister Aso stated that for Japan the incidence of influenza A (H1N1) represented a critical issue in crisis management, explaining that Japan spares no effort in its response. Prime Minister Aso and Prime Minister Han agreed on the importance of cooperation between Japan and the ROK, and also among the three countries of Japan, the ROK, and China, in addressing the issue of infectious diseases, including influenza A (H1N1).

The prime ministers also exchanged views on the North Korean issues, reaffirming close cooperation between Japan and the ROK, and among Japan, the ROK, and the United States. Prime Minister Aso took the opportunity to extend once more Japan's appreciation for the ROK's cooperation towards the resolution of the abduction issue. Prime Minister Han stated that the ROK considered human rights as being a universal value of the utmost significance, indicating the ROK's intention to cooperate with Japan as much as possible in regard to the abduction issue.

Prime Minister Aso and Prime Minister Han discussed matters such as working level consultations for an economic partnership agreement (EPA) between Japan and the ROK.

Related Link

• Japan-Republic of Korea Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)