1. "The taskforce to boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the Republic of Korea and Japan (head: professor of the School of Tourism at Hanyang University Lee Hoon )" formed by the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and "the advisory panel of experts on promotion of ROK-Japan cultural and people-to-people exchanges (head: former Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs Seiichi Kondo)" launched by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a joint meeting in Seoul on October 29.

※ "The TF to boost ROK-Japan cultural and people-to-people exchanges" of the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after being launched on May 28 and eight meetings, submitted an outcome report to the Minister of Foreign Affairs on August 16.

※ "The advisory panel of experts on promotion of ROK-Japan cultural and people-to-people exchanges" of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after its launch on August 10 and four meetings, submitted its final suggestions to Minister for Foreign Affairs Kono on October 3.

2. The two TFs noted with appreciation that albeit ups and downs in the bilateral relations, since the adoption of the “Kim Dae-jung-Obuchi Joint Declaration,” people-to-people and cultural exchanges moved remarkably forward between the two countries; underscored the need to enhance mutual understanding between people of the two countries in order for the bilateral relations to advance in a genuinely future-oriented way; and suggested a direction for cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as joint projects that the two countries should conduct in that regard. The outcome of their meeting is as follows:

° The two TFs suggested a direction for bilateral cultural and people-to-people exchanges: Cultural and people-to-people exchanges should revolve around people; and the scope of exchanges should be broadened to include various areas that people of the two countries can enjoy even in their daily lives.

° With regard to ways to that end, the two TFs discussed the possibilities of boosting exchanges between youngsters and college students -- growing future generations -- as well as grassroots exchanges regarding food and other leisure activities and hobbies; jointly developing TV programs and other contents as well as tour itineraries in the ROK and Japan; conducting joint projects concerning issues shared by the two countries, including the growth of one-person households and those related to youth; and scaling up the Korea-Japan Festival. They recommended the governments of the two countries to conduct these projects together.

3. Prior to the joint meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha met with the Japanese delegation, during which she welcomed members of the Japanese TF to the ROK; mentioned that despite issues between the two countries, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between people of the two countries should continue and increase; and expressed hope that the expansion of these exchanges will contribute to the promotion of friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries and will thereby help advance the bilateral relations in a future-oriented way.

° Minister Kang, commending the work of the two countries’ TFs, voiced hope that the recommendations the two TFs will put forth at the significant joint meeting will produce tangible results.

4. Building on the outcome of the joint meeting, the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs will discuss with other relevant organizations and government agencies the possibility of conducting joint projects; and hold consultations with the Japanese government to seek specific ways to carry them out.

* unofficial translation