Leaders of Korea-Japan Will Participate in Opening and Closing Ceremonies of World Cup Together

President Kim Dae-Jung and Japan`s Prime Minister Koizumi Juichiro agreed to establish a `joint institute of businesses, governments, and schools` to discuss for the conclusion of the Free Trade Association between Korean and Japan.

The two leaders had exclusive and expanded summit talks at Cheong Wa Dae and announced, “we hope the two countries will effort for and successfully conclude FTA.” But the two leaders did not mention about the detail timetable for it.

The two leaders also agreed to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies of World Cup together. In consequence, Mr. Koizumi will attend the opening ceremony of World Cup on May 31st and President Kim will visit Japan for the participation in the closing ceremony in Yokohama on June 30th.

In addition to the temporary exemption of Visa during the World Cup season, the two leaders agreed to discuss for the overall exemption of Visa in the future. With regard to the pork produced in Korea, Mr. Koizumi promised that Japan would import pork produced in Cheju at first after completing the necessary procedures until April.

Concerning the normalization of the North-Japan relationship, he said, “we will continue to negotiate sincerely in patience. However, it would be very difficult to move for the normalization of the relationship without resolving the issue of kidnapping Japanese people.” He also avoid answering the question about the humanitarian support to the North.

With regard to the opening of Japan`s pop culture, President Kim remarked that “as the 7 current issues between Korea and Japan proceed, Korea will take decisive steps for it.”

Chol-Hi Lee klimt@donga.com