1. Minister Yu met with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Amari Akira on April 4 and 
discussed how to expand and strengthen economic cooperation between Korea and Japan.

2. Minister Yu said that President Lee Myung-bak’s visit to Japan slated for mid-April(4.20-21) is to serve as a 
good opportunity to establish a more matured  partnership between the two countries, and expressed his 
hope of Korea and Japan developing closer ties of economic cooperation at this opportune time of resumed 
“shuttle diplomacy.”    

3. Minister Yu hoped that Korea and Japan look for constructive measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation 
focusing on the areas of parts and materials, minor enterprises, energy and resources and nurturing of the 
talent, particularly in an effort to achieve a balanced expansion of bilateral trade. He also hoped that the two 
countries could exert concerted efforts on global agenda such as climate change and assistance to 
developing countries.  

4. In response, Minister Amari noted that he expects the President Lee’s visit to serve as an opportunity to 
promote extensive discussions on the establishment of mutually beneficial economic relationship between 
the two countries. He also stated that he hoped for the resumption of the negotiation on the ROK-Japan free 
trade agreement, and that Japan will review substantial and concrete benefits in the bilateral economic ties 
by taking into account Korea’s wish to resolve the trade deficit and to establish mutually beneficial economic 
relationship between the two countries.      




                                                                     Spokesperson of MOFAT

* unofficial translation