Group from South Korea'S Uri Party pay courtesy call to LDP Secretary-General Takebe

October 27, 2004

On the 27th October, Lee Bu-Yong Chairman of the South Korean ruling Uri party, paid a visit to LDP Secretary-General Takebe in the Japanese Diet. Mr Lee said, "We place our expectations on Secretary-General Takebe. Difficult issues have accumulated on the Korean Peninsula such as the North Korea nuclear and missile issues, and in connection with Japan the abductee and normalization of diplomatic relations issues. By normalizing relations with North Korea we can achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. We earnestly desire that vigorous negotiation can take place with the keywords of 'conversation and compromise'. Meanwhile, as Japan-South Korean relations broaden on various levels, we would like to have hopes of further development." 　　　In reply, Secretary-General Takebe said, "With regard to the North Korea nuclear and missile issues, it is necessary for Japan, the U.S. and South Korea to cooperate so that 6 party talks may be held. Also, with regard to the abductee issue, isn't the kind of response that North Korea makes up to North Korea itself? We would like to request further cooperation from South Korean. Meanwhile, thanks to the popularity of "Fuyu no Sonata" cultural exchange is flourishing. Next year we will come to the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and South Korea; we would like to continue cooperating to develop even friendlier relations."