1. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Choi Sung-hong visited the Portuguese Republic on June 5, 2002.  
He paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Jose Manuel Barroso and Minister of Foreign Affairs and 
Portuguese Communities Abroad Antonio Martins da Cruz to discuss major issues of bilateral interest.

 
2. When paying a courtesy call on Prime Minister Barroso, Minister Choi noted with satisfaction the 
development of friendly and cooperative ties between the ROK and Portugal since the establishment of 
diplomatic relations in 1961, explained the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, 
and asked for continued support by the Portuguese government for the ROK government’s policy of 
reconciliation and cooperation toward North Korea.  In return, Prime Minister Barroso expressed active 
support for the ROK government’s policy of reconciliations and cooperation, and reassured that the 
Portuguese government will continue its assistance for the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean 
Peninsula.

 
3. Minister Choi and Minister Martins da Cruz held the ROK-Portugal Foreign Ministers’ Talks in which they 
exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, in Northeast Asia and the European Union(EU), 
and discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation between the ROK and Portugal.  Minister Choi also 
took this opportunity to ask for Portugal’s support for the ROK’s bid to host the 2010 World Expo in Yeosu.

 
4. The bilateral relations between the ROK and Portugal continue to develop in all areas through active high-
level exchanges.  The bilateral trade volume between the two countries was recorded at US$240 million in 
2001.

                                                              Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation