1. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Choi Sung-hong held the Korea-Thailand and Korea-Vietnam Foreign 
Ministers’ Talks with Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister of Foreign Affiars of Thailand and Nguyen Dy Nien, 
Minister of Foreign Affiars of Vietnam, respectively, on the sideline of the 4th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, 
on June 7, 2002.  Taking this opportunity, Minister Choi exchanged views with the two foreign ministers on a 
wide range of issues including Korea’s bid to host the 2010 World Expo in Yeosu, situation on the Korean 
Peninsula, ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expansion of East Asian cooperation.

 
2. During the Korea-Thailand Foreign Ministers’ Talks, Minister Choi asked for Thailand’s support for Korea’s 
bid to host the 2010 World Expo in Yeosu, for which Minister  promised to render serious and favorable 
considerations.  In response to Minister Surakiart’s proposal for a joint research for the pursuit of the Korea-
Thailand Free Trade Area(FTA), Minister Choi agreed on the necessity of FTA in Asia and suggested that a 
private-level research be conducted first. Minister Surakiart also invited Minister Choi to participate in the Asia 
Cooperation Dialogue(ACD), scheduled for June 18-19, 2002, for which Minister Choi responded positively.

 
3. During the Korea-Vietnam Foreign Ministers’ Talks, Minister Choi explained the recent developments in 
inter-Korean relations for which Minister Nien expressed his understanding.  Minister Nien highly noted the 
outcome of the ROK government’s efforts for reconciliation and cooperation with North Korea, and reassured 
continued support by the Vietnamese government for the ROK government’s policy.  Minister Choi explained 
the outline of the East Asia Summit(EAS) drawn by President Kim Dae-jung, for which Minister Nien 
expressed active support.

                                                              Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation