Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� March, 2002

Japan-Republic of Korea Summit Meeting Friday, March 22, 2002 Click photographs to enlarge Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited the Republic of Korea (ROK) on March 21, 2002. Upon arrival in Seoul, Prime Minister Koizumi visited the National Cemetery and laid a wreath. Then he appreciated a musical performance of traditional Korean instruments at the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts. On March 22, Prime Minister Koizumi held a Summit Meeting with President Kim Dae Jung of the Republic of Korea at the Blue House Presidential Office (Chong Wa Dae). During the Summit Meeting, the two leaders reaffirmed their determination to add further momentum to the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between Japan and the ROK so that this year will be a truly historic one, in which the two nations will co-host the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and which has been designated as the Year of Japan-Republic of Korea National Exchange. Specifically, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Japan-Republic of Korea Investment Agreement, and agreed to engage in close cooperation across diverse sectors in both countries including the establishment of a study group composed of representatives from industry, government and academia to consider the establishment of a free trade agreement between Japan and the ROK and to cooperate closely for reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan. Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his support for the policy of engagement being pursued by President Kim Dae Jung and his expectations for the reopening of South-North dialogue. At the same time, the Prime Minister explained that the issue of alleged abductions by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was an important matter related to the lives of the people of Japan and outlined Japan's basic policy of strongly calling on North Korea to resolve this issue. In response to this President Kim Dae Jung expressed hopes that progress would be achieved in advancing relations between Japan and North Korea. The President further expressed his understanding for Japan's position on the issue of alleged abductions and stated his hope that the issue would be resolved through dialogue with North Korea. From the afternoon of 22, until the next day, Prime Minister Koizumi energetically took part in a large number of events, including a visit to the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong where it is planned the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan will be held, attending the Commemorative Evening for the Year of Japan-Republic of Korea National Exchange, and visiting the Japan-Korea IT Optical Corridor Project. After completing the entire schedule, Prime Minister Koizumi departed for Japan on the evening of March 23.