1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour of Sudan on October 1. In their meeting, the two top diplomats exchanged views on the Republic of Korea-Sudan relations; ways to step up substantive cooperation on economy and development, and to work together on the international stage; and North Korean nuclear issue and situations in Northeast Asia and other regions of the world.

2. Minister Yun, taking note of the steady advances in the bilateral relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1977, voiced hope that high-level exchanges between the two countries, which will mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017, will increase and thereby help further build the momentum of the growing bilateral ties.

° Minister Ghandour pointed out that Sudan, which is working to achieve economic development, hopes to learn from the ROK, which has seen economic growth over a short period of time, its development experience and to cooperate closely with the country as close partners.

3. Minister Ghandour, bringing attention of the large presence of Korean-made automobiles, electronic products and home appliances in the Sudanese market, asked Korean companies to invest in Sudan’s agricultural and agricultural products processing sectors, as the country has a great potential for agricultural production and can help export relevant products to neighboring countries.

° The Minister, expecting the US economic sanctions on Sudan to be lifted in the near future, forecast that investment conditions will be significantly improved for Korean companies.

4. Minister Yun, forecasting that when a framework for bilateral economic exchanges is set, the two countries will see increased cooperation on investment, asked Sudan to bring into force as soon as possible the bilateral agreements on investment protection and on the avoidance of double taxation as well as the framework agreement on grant aid. Minister Ghandour pledged to work for an early entry into force of those agreements.

5. Bringing attention to the situation in North Korea, Minister Yun pointed out that the North, through its recent nuclear and missile tests, is posing a grave threat to not only the Korean Peninsula but also the entire international community. He asked that with the international community condemning North Korea in stronger terms than before and intensifying pressure on the North, Sudan join other African countries in working with the international community in this regard.

° Minister Ghandour mentioned that Sudan has completely cut off its military cooperation with North Korea, has no North Korean diplomatic missions in the country as well as no diplomatic missions of its own in the North, and has no plans for high-level exchanges. The Minister, calling nuclear weapons an obstacle to peace and security, stressed that Sudan is thoroughly implementing UN Security Council sanctions resolutions on North Korea.

6. On the heels of their meeting, the two Ministers concluded a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries to reaffirm their commitment to strengthen the bilateral relations; and agreed to continue high-level communication between their Foreign Ministries.


* unofficial translation