Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan had a luncheon with French special envoy on North Korea Jack Lang on October 7, who is visiting Korea on October 6-11. During the luncheon, they exchanged views on the North Korean issues including its nuclear issue and political situation, and ROK-France relations.

※ French President Sarkozy has appointed Jack Lang, a well-known politician and six-term Member of Parliament, as special envoy on North Korea to increase France’s commitment to resolving the North Korean issues including its nuclear issue.

Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan explained the Korean government’s policies and stance on the North Korean nuclear issue and inter-Korean relations. Minister Yu asked special envoy Jack Lang to take the initiative in strengthening cooperation between Korea and France to help steer North Korea policy in a desirable direction. Minister Yu also expressed gratitude toward France for supporting Korea in its bid to host a G20 summit in 2010.

The French special envoy on North Korea’s visit to Korea is expected to help further enhance Korea-France cooperation toward peace and stability on the Korean peninsula.