1. Prime Minister of Sweden, Goran Persson, will visit the Republic of Korea from March 9 to 11, 2004, at the 
invitation by President Roh Moo-hyun.

 
2. President Roh and Prime Minister Persson will hold the ROK-Sweden Summit on March 10, and discuss 
ways to further promote bilateral relations and cooperative measures in the international arena.  They will 
also exchange views on other issues of mutual interest such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula 
including the North Korean nuclear issue, the EU integration and welfare policies.

 
3. During the visit, Prime Minister Persson will participate in a luncheon hosted by President Roh and a 
breakfast meeting with former President Kim Dae-jung.  He will also receive an honorary doctorate at 
Dankook University, deliver a speech at Ewha Womans University, and participate in a luncheon with 
representatives of the Korean economy.

 
4. Prime Minister Persson's visit to the ROK is expected to provide an opportunity to further develop the 
bilateral relations, which celebrates the 45th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties, into a more 
future-oriented relationship of substantial cooperation.

 
5. As a member of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission since 1953, Sweden has consistently 
contributed to the maintenance of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.  In particular, Prime Minister 
Persson had significantly contributed to the establishment of an environment for dialogue between the 
Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, as the first leader from a Western nation 
to visit both the ROK and DPRK in May 2001.

                                                                    Spokesperson of MOFAT


* unofficial translation