Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, Yu Myung-hwan and his Spanish counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Miguel Angel Moratinos held a meeting followed by a luncheon on March 23. They held an in-depth discussion on various bilateral issues such as expanding substantive cooperation in such fields as economy and trade, and new and renewable energy, an increase in high-level officials’ exchange and joint entry into Latin America as well as major international issues.

The foreign ministers of the ROK and Spain expressed satisfaction with substantial development of the bilateral relations in all sectors including politics, economy and culture since 1950 when their diplomatic relations were established, and agreed to continue deepening their relations in the years to come. They agreed to work together for the success of the commemorative events in 2010 marking the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Taking into account that Korea and Spain will act as the G-20 chair in 2010 and the EU chair during the first half of the year 2010 respectively, the foreign ministers of the two countries discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in a variety of global issues such as the G-20 London Summit, climate changes and
energy security. They also exchanged their views on political situations of the Korean peninsula, East Asia and Middle East.

In response to Minister Yu’s request for cooperation of Spain, the EU chair during the first half of 2010, in the early conclusion of the Korea-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, Minister Moratinos agreed in its need and to work together toward it.

The foreign ministers also signed the Treaty between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Spain concerning Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, and the Agreement between the Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Spain on the Protection of Defense Classified Information, which are expected to contribute to boosting cooperation in the judicial sector and protection of military information.