1. The 2nd ROK-France Policy Planning Talks, the 4th ROK-UK Policy Planning Talks, and the 1st ROK-Spain Policy Planning Talks will be held in Paris on July 4, in London on July 6, and in Madrid on July 10, respectively. The head of the ROK delegation is Director-General for Policy Planning Lee Sang-hyun.

2. Participants of the meetings will have a broad exchange of views on foreign policies of their countries, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia. They will also discuss global issues, including developments in the eurozone crisis and future prospects, as well as the Middle East issues.

o In particular, the meetings will provide an opportunity to study new foreign policy directions of Spain and France, where a new government came to power after a general election in November, 2011, and a presidential election in May, 2012, respectively.

3. The meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for diversifying the ROK’s diplomacy by discussing foreign policy planning and the international situation, and strengthening cooperation with major Western European countries on the global stage.

4. During his visit to Spain, Director-General Lee will also attend the 22nd World Congress of Political Science to participate in a panel discussion on North Korea’s current situation and its future. 


                          Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation