1. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha talked to Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian of France over the phone on September 29, during which the two top diplomats exchanged views on nuclear and other issues of North Korea and ways to enhance the friendly and cooperative relations between the Republic of Korea and France.

° Minister Kang, extending appreciation to Minister Le Drian for his contribution to the ROK-France defense cooperation during his service as Minister of Defense over the past five years, suggested that they continue working closely together to advance the relations between their two countries.

2. With regard to the recent North Korean threats exacerbating tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the two Ministers, recognizing the growing need for the ROK-France coordination, agreed to steadfastly continue collaboration toward a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue.

° Minister Kang, mentioning that the situation will be managed so as to prevent the tensions on the Korean Peninsula from rising even further, asked the French government to remain highly cooperative with the ROK in that regard.

3. The two Ministers agreed to hold “the second foreign ministerial strategic dialogue between the ROK and France” in Paris in the near future and seek ways to step up cooperation on not only bilateral but also regional and global levels.


* unofficial translation