Seoul, Moscow Agree to Close CooperationSouth Korea and Russia Tuesday agreed to seek close cooperation in various fields for a peaceful and prosperous Northeast Asian region.In a seven-point joint statement issued after the summit between South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two nations agreed on the importance of the constructive and mutually complementary partnership between them, saying the continued development of the partnership is important for the interests of the people of the two countries and for strengthening the security and stability in Northeast Asia. To this end, they promised to enhance dialogue and consultations at various levels, including meetings of presidents, prime ministers and parliament leaders, to exchange views on regular basis on the bilateral and international issues of mutual concerns. On the sensitive issue of U.S.-pushed National Missile Defense (NMD) project, South Korea and Russia agreed that the 1972 Anti- Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty should be the foundation for international nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. "The 1972 ABM Treaty is a cornerstone of strategic stability and an important foundation," and that START II Treaty should be implemented as early as possible while "preserving and strengthening the ABM Treaty," said the statement. On the inter-Korean issues, the two sides promised to work for further improved inter-Korean relations, which they believe will help reduce tension and establish peace on the Korean peninsula. They pointed out that the 1992 Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the 1994 Geneva Agreed Framework should be faithfully implemented to eliminate the nuclear threat on the peninsula, expressing hope for early settlement of the issues on the development, export and deployment of missiles on the peninsula through continued dialogue among parties concerned. The Russian side expressed "its readiness and willingness to continuously contribute to easing tension and securing peace on the Korean peninsula." In addition, both sides also agreed to establish a joint sub- committee under the existing South Korea-Russia Economy and Technology Cooperation Committee to implement proposed joint projects such as the construction of the Nakhodka industrial complex and the exploitation of the Irkutsk gas field. The positive developments in the inter-Korean relations have created a favorable atmosphere encouraging their countries to form joint projects such as the connection of the Trans-Korea Railroad and the Trans-Siberian Railroad, said the statement. At a post-summit news conference, President Kim Dae-jung said the summit also had discussed the expected Seoul visit by Kim Jong- il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and its impact on inter-Korean relations. Putin, who arrived here Monday night for a three-day state visit, is expected to meet South Korean Prime Minister Lee Han- dong and opposition Grand National Party leader Lee Hoi-chang and deliver a speech at the National Assembly Wednesday before departure for Vietnam. |
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