ASEM Copenhagen Political Declaration for Peace on the Korean Peninsula

1. Leaders, recalling the "Seoul Declaration for Peace on the Korean Peninsula" adopted at ASEM 3 in Seoul in 2000, renewed their commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed their support for the process of inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation. 2. Leaders expressed concern over the unfortunate naval clash in the Yellow Sea in June which had caused tensions on the Korean Peninsula. They are, however, encouraged by the recent positive developments towards the easing of tensions and promotion of dialogue between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic Peoples' Republic of Korea (DPRK). They stressed the need to prevent the recurrence of such an incident and underlined the importance of observing the 1953 Armistice Agreement as well as promoting Confidence Building Measures. 3. Leaders noted the commitment expressed by the ROK and the DPRK to the implementation of the South-North Joint Declaration adopted at the Inter-Korean Summit of June 2000. They encouraged them to carry out in good faith measures for the implementation of the Joint Declaration and follow-up agreements with a view to enhancing peace on the Korean Peninsula and inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation. In this regard, they welcomed the substantial progress recently made towards accomplishing a series of projects for inter-Korean cooperation, including the launching of the construction work on September 18, 2002 for the reconnection of rail and road links across the inter-Korean border which have been severed for the last five decades. They shared the view that the holding of a second Inter-Korean Summit would be of great value in sustaining the momentum in the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. 4. Reiterating their support for the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, Leaders underlined the importance of the full implementation of the 1994 Agreed Framework. They also expressed the hope that all outstanding issues, including nuclear and missile related matters, should be resolved through dialogue in a timely manner. 5. Leaders reconfirmed the importance of engaging the DPRK in the international community through constructive dialogue delivering concrete progress, which would greatly enhance the prospects for peace and security not only in Northeast Asia but the world as a whole. In this regard, they hoped that the prospects for the resumption of dialogue between the United States and the DPRK would continue to improve. They are also encouraged by the on-going efforts of ASEM partners to promote dialogue, including developing relations with the DPRK. In this connection, they welcomed the recent visit of Japan's Prime Minister to the DPRK and appreciated the top level dialogue for the solution of issues between them as well as issues of international security concern. Leaders encouraged ASEM partners to continue their efforts to engage the DPRK in further exchanges and cooperation at the bilateral or multilateral levels, with respect to all aspects including economic reform, the technical and humanitarian areas. Copenhagen, 23 September 2002