Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan held a meeting and dinner with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner on March 19 for an in-depth discussion on matters of common interest.
 
Minister Yu highlighted the importance of an early resolution regarding the restitution of the Oegyujanggak volumes. Minister Kouchner responded that he is well aware of the meaning the Korean people attach to the said books, proposing that joint efforts be made in this regard.

The two Ministers drew an understanding that Korea and France, this and next year’s G20 chair, respectively, will work more closely together for the global economic recovery and setting summit meeting agendas.

Other topics discussed between the two Ministers include high-level officials’ exchange; the Korea-EU FTA; and the current situation on the Korean peninsula.

The Korean trip by Minister Kouchner was the first of its kind by a French foreign minister since 2003 and is expected to contribute to promoting friendly and cooperative ties between the two countries.