Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� June, 2003

Japan-Republic of Korea Summit Meeting Saturday, June 7, 2003 Click photographs to enlarge Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with Mr. Roh, Moo Hyun, the President of the Republic of Korea and exchanged opinions on various issues, including the issue of North Korea's nuclear development and strengthening of relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea for the future. Concerning the issue of North Korea's nuclear development, both leaders affirmed that "we do not allow North Korea to possess nuclear weapons nor nuclear development program and have to solve this issue in a peaceful and diplomatic manner." Furthermore, with a view to a peaceful solution to North Korea's nuclear issue, both leaders agreed to strongly call on North Korea not to take any actions that would worsen the situation even more. The leaders also reaffirmed the principles agreed to at the Republic of Korea-United States of America Summit Meeting held on May 14 and the Japan-United States of America Summit Meeting held on May 23, and agreed to enhance cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea. Furthermore, the leaders agreed to make efforts to initiate negotiations on concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Japan and the Republic of Korea at the earliest possible date. The leaders also agreed to take measures to promote active exchange between the two countries, such as to make efforts toward visa waiver for Republic of Korea nationals traveling to Japan with the view to strengthening cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Korea for the future, at the start of actual exemption of visas for Korean students visiting Japan as a school trip. These agreements were announced as the Joint Statement. At the Joint Press Conference held following the Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "The friendship between Japan and the Republic of Korea is important for the world," and concluded to say, "I intend to devote my utmost effort toward realizing the Joint Statement in the purpose of making strong ties between the peoples of Japan and the Republic of Korea."