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Joint Message Toward the Future
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"Beyond the Successful Co-hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan." |
July 1, 2002 |
| The 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was accomplished through the historic joint efforts of Japan and Korea, has moved the hearts of the world and has truly brought the world together by transcending the differences in race, culture, ideology and religion. |
| We wholeheartedly praise the players of the thirty-two national teams, for their excellent performance, and express our deep gratitude to FIFA and all other parties concerned for their endeavors. We also pay tribute to the peoples of both Japan and Korea for their making strenuous efforts hand-in-hand in bringing this event into a success. |
| Through the joint hosting of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Japan and Korea have displayed solid ties of friendship to the world. Through the support and cooperation of the two peoples,the two countries co-hosted this internationally celebrated event successfully and safely. This will undoubtedly be a valuable asset of the two countries in enhancing Japan-Korea relations to a higher level. The peoples and governments of both countries would gather wisdom to maintain the momentum of this greater friendship brought about by the 2002 FIFA World Cup and to further strengthen our bilateral ties. |
| Based on friendship and trust, our two countries will continue to deepen cooperation and expand the exchange between the two peoples in the political, economic, social and cultural fields. To this end, we will promote various ways including joint projects for the enhancement of sports and youth exchanges. |
| In addition, our two countries will study in depth the idea of a Japan-Korea free trade agreement in the belief that the strengthening of cooperative ties between Japan and Korea in the economic field will contribute greatly to the economic development of the two countries, and thus to that of East Asia as well. |
| Furthermore, our two countries will enhance our cooperation in the international fora and will make joint efforts toward the stability and prosperity of not only Northeast Asia, but also that of East Asia and the world. |
| We believe these are missions appointed upon Japan and Korea, the first co-hosts in the history of the FIFA World Cup. |
| We, the leaders of Japan and Korea, declaring to exert all possible efforts in fulfilling these missions, look forward to the cooperation and efforts of the peoples of Japan and Korea. |
| Junichiro Koizumi Prime Minister Japan |
Kim Dae-jung President Republic of Korea |