I. Outcome of the 16th Korea-EU Ministerial Meeting
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.
II. Outcome of Minister's Visit to Portugal
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