[ASEM] President Kim confers with Spanish, German leaders

President Kim Dae-Jung held separate summit talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Azner Friday afternoon following the second general summit meeting of the Third ASEM.

They exchanged views on inter-Korean relations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and bilateral economic cooperation. Kim and Schroeder shared the opinion that the German experience indicates the current developments in inter-Korean relations are taking a desirable course. The two men pledged to make joint efforts to help North Korea emerge from its isolation and become a responsible member of the international community.

Schroeder was reported to have expressed his intention to weigh the normalization of relations with North Korea on the basis of the progress in inter-Korean relations, tension reduction and reforms within North Korea. Kim conveyed his thanks to the Spanish leader for his support of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Spanish prime minister promised Spain would continue to play a role in and make various contributions to the cause of peace in Korea.