Outcome of the ROK-Japan-China Summit and the ROK-China Summit

President Lee Myung-bak was in Beijing earlier this week for a trilateral summit with his counterparts from China and Japan. He met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to address topics such as the trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) and the situation on the Korean peninsula. President Lee also held bilateral talks with Premier Wen Jiabao to mark the 20th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations and discussed issues of mutual interest. Noting with appreciation the swift adoption of the strong Presidential Statement by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea’s recent launch of a long-range missile, the three leaders exchanged views on the situation in North Korea and agreed to work closely to prevent further provocations and coordinate future responses. They also welcomed the systematic development and expansion of the trilateral cooperation in a multitude of areas, which plays an important role in regional and international stability and prosperity. The three leaders took the trilateral cooperation in economy and trade to the next level by signing the investment guarantee treaty and agreeing to start preparations to launch the trilateral FTA negotiation within the year. In his talks with Premier Wen Jiabao, President Lee noted with satisfaction the rapid development in the bilateral relationship over the past two decades and agreed to continue to deepen and develop the strategic partnership established in 2008. To this end, the two sides agreed to continue to expand substantive cooperation in trade and human resource exchange, further the collaboration in security and national defense, and communicate closely on matters relating to the peace and security of the region and the world. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views and opinions on the North Korean issue, including future responses, and agreed to work towards the smooth resolution of the North Korean refugee problem. They also noted the significance of the start of the negotiations on the ROK-China FTA and reached the consensus to work to maximize the benefits of the bilateral FTA, thereby taking the bilateral economic relations to the next level. * Source : Website of Cheongwadae (Korean Presidential Office) Joint Declaration on the Enhancement of Trilateral Comprehensive     Cooperative Partnership