Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan met with Richard Holbrooke, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, on April 16 and exchanged views on the recent political situation of Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as the international community’s efforts for peace and reconstruction in those countries.

Following an explanation on the Obama administration’s policies on Afghanistan and Pakistan and a review of Korea’s assistance for Afghanistan, US Special Representative Holbrooke expressed hope for continued close cooperation between Korea and the US for the peace and reconstruction in the region.

Foreign Minister Yu showed agreement on the outcomes of the US strategic review of Afghanistan and Pakistan and the US comprehensive approach. Elaborating on Korea’s basic position, he said that Korea is continuously seeking appropriate cooperative means under the principle of joining the international community’s efforts for the peace and rebuilding in the region. He also explained Korea’s efforts in this connection.

The two sides also discussed the “Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan” and the “Pakistan Donors Conference” slated for April 17 in Tokyo. They will cooperate in aiding Pakistan as they agreed on the importance of assistance for Pakistan for the stability of the area.