1. On June 4, 2002, the 16th Korea-EU Ministerial Meeting was held in Brussels, Belgium. The Korean side 
was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Choi Sung-hong, and the EU side was led by the EU 
Commissioner for External Relations, Christopher Patten. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen 
cooperation in the areas of politics, economy, and trade between Korea and the EU, as well as cooperation 
at the multilateral level, such as in the WTO and ASEM.

 
2. The Korean side explained the progress made in the inter-Korea relations since the Special Presidential 
Envoy's visit to North Korea in April. In addition, the Korean side requested the EU's continued interest in and 
support for the development of the inter-Korea relations. Both sides discussed regional issues regarding 
terrorism, India-Pakistan relations, and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The two sides also agreed to 
cooperate closely for a successful 4th ASEM Summit Meeting, to be held from September 22 to 24, 2002. 

 
3. In explaining the achievements made in economic reform, the Korean side emphasized that the Korean 
Government will continue with its reform efforts. In response, the EU side affirmed that, despite the global 
economic slowdown, Korea has achieved sound economic growth, through successful restructuring efforts 
and expressed its expectation for continued economic reform in Korea.

 
4. Both sides expressed their shared desire to resolve bilateral trade issues, such as those related to 
shipbuilding, steel, agriculture, automobile, and pharmaceuticals through dialogue. The Korean side 
welcomed the Korea-EU joint project that will help familiarize business people from the EU with Korea and 
expressed its hope for the sustainable expansion and development of the project. This project is expected to 
proceed next year. Furthermore, both sides agreed to continue joint research efforts for industrial 
cooperation between Korea and the EU.

 
5. Minister Choi also met with the EU's High Representative of Common Foreign Security Policy, Javier 
Solana, to exchange views on current inter-Korean relations and future prospects. Minister Choi thanked Mr. 
Solana for the EU's constructive role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula and requested the EU's 
continued support.  

                                                                Spokesperson of MOFAT


* unofficial translation