Korea and the EU, “Actively Support the Reform of North Korea”

The President Kim, Dae-Jung, who is visiting Denmark to participate on the 4th Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM), had the Korea and the EU Summit with the Prime Minister of Denmark, which is the Chair Country of the EU, Aners Lasmusen and the Executive Chairman of the EU, Romano Pordie, and agreed to support the recent reform policy of North Korea. The President Kim asked, “I welcome efforts of the EU to lead the reform of North Korea through technical and humane supports,” and “I hope the EU to continue these efforts.”

In response to this, the EU stressed, “We welcome the recent policies for relieving tensions through connection of railroads and roads between South and North Korea, and for promotion of talks,” and “we reconfirm our promise to contribute to the peace process in the Korean Peninsular.”

Prior to this, the ASEM, which was held for 2 nights and 3 days with 25 countries from Asia and Europe and the EU Executive Committee, was closed after the 3rd Summit, which took the Statement of the Chairman. The Statement of the Chairman reconfirmed to support the reconciliation between South and North Korea and include, “We pay attention that the connection of railroads between South and North Korea can eventually connected to the Eurasian Rail Road (Iron Silk Road).” The ASEM also took the ‘Copenhagen Cooperation Program’ to cope with the international terrorism, and announced, “To cope with terrorism should be based on the active role of the UN and the fundamentals of the UN Constitution.”

The President Kim is on his way to come back and will arrive at Seoul in the morning on the 25th.

ysmo@donga.com