1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with a delegation from the US House of Representatives, including its Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and leading Representatives Charles Rangel and Sander Levin, as well as the accompanying families of some of the members of the delegation. In the meeting, the Minister spoke in detail about the Republic of Korea-United States relations and exchanged views with the US delegation on matters the US Congress is interested in, such as North Korea and its nuclear issue, the ROK government’s unification initiative and the ROK-Japan relations.

* The US delegation consists of 27 people, including nine Democrats, one Republican, their aides and family members.

2. With regard to Japan’s past aggression and colonial rule as well as the issue of sexual slavery victims drafted by Japan’s Imperial Army during World War II, Minister Yun voiced hope that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, in his address to the US Congress, would specifically reiterate the position officially acknowledged and expressions used by former Japanese governments on these issues and thereby send a positive message to the ROK and other neighboring countries. He asked for the US Congress’ understanding and support in this regard.

3. Congressman Levin commented that it is important for the KORUS (Korea-US) FTA to be implemented smoothly and that the ROK and the US maintain balanced relations in economy and trade. In response, Minister Yun pointed out that the KORUS FTA is playing a role in promoting not only trade of goods but also cooperation in the investment and service sectors, thereby making the ROK-US economic relations mutually beneficial.

4. The US delegation, which includes Representative Rangel, an 84-year-old Korean War veteran, and his wife, will make courtesy calls on the President and the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and attend a luncheon to be hosted by the National Assembly Speaker on April 2, before leaving for Japan the next day. 


               Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation