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ROK, Russia Agree to Draw NK Back to Talks

2003-10-22

BANGKOK - South Korea and Russia agreed on Tuesday to closely cooperate to restart at an early date the suspended six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear row.

President Roh Moo-hyun and Russian President Vladimir Putin shared the view that the six-nation talks held in Beijing were an effective step toward resolving the nuclear standoff and should be resumed in the near future.

During their first summit meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel here, Roh and Putin said they were pleased with the progress in relations between their countries since officially setting up diplomatic ties in September 1990.

"They agreed to boost efforts to further develop the currently constructive relations toward mutually-benefiting and future-oriented ties," said Ban Ki-moon, presidential advisor on foreign affairs, during a media briefing on the outcome of the summit.

Roh was quoted as saying he hoped to maintain the cooperative relations with Russia in his administration's bid for peace and prosperity as well as forming an East Asian economic community. Putin vowed Russia's full support for the initiatives.

"The leaders also agreed to exert efforts to see tangible progress in major projects between the two countries including the linkage of the trans-Korean railroad (TKR) and trans-Siberian railroad (TSR)," Ban said.

Roh also showed interest in the exploration of a natural gas field in Russia, urging that more Korean companies be allowed to take part in the project.

Putin invited Roh to visit Russia with Roh saying a visit is possible next year.

Before meeting Putin, Roh attended the final-day summit session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, calling for efforts to combat terrorism and promote trade liberalization.

He also met with Koreans residing in Thailand. He plans to fly to Singapore on Wednesday to meet Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong to discuss ways of speeding up the envisioned free trade agreement.

Roh will return to Seoul on Friday.

Source : www.korea.net