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Members of the Joint Support Committee for Japan-ROK Joint History Research Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Friday, March 25, 2005 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from the members of the Joint Support Committee for Japan-ROK Joint History Research at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. A total of 21 members of the Committee, including Mr. Taichiro Mitani, the Chair of the Japanese side, and Mr. Cho Kwang, the Acting Chair of the Republic of Korea (ROK) side, visited Prime Minister Koizumi to give him a report, as the Committee, which was established upon an agreement reached at the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting in October 2001, will enter its final stage at the plenary meeting on March 26. Prime Minister Koizumi first expressed his gratitude for the members' efforts in researching the history of Japan and the ROK. He then acknowledged that this joint research has served as a great opportunity for understanding the history of the two countries. He then pointed out that regretting what must be regretted is important and that the two countries must value the efforts to overcome the conflict between them, expressing his intension to further develop the Japan-ROK relations. With such resolve, he asked for the continued support of the members of the Committee. In response to these comments, Chair Mitani shared the developments and progress of the joint research, and Acting Chair Cho stated that despite some difficulties in the process, a relationship of trust has steadily formed among the researchers. In closing the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi noted on the mutual visits by the leaders of Japan and the ROK, which took place last year, and stated that he is looking forward to meeting President Roh Moo Hyun in the near future.