The two Ministers noted with appreciation that the Seoul Summit had contributed to the further consolidation of the international cooperation mechanism on nuclear security. In addition, they agreed that their countries, as the respective chairs of the 2nd and 3rd Summits, will faithfully implement the measures stipulated in the Seoul Communique and continue working together on the 3rd Summit.

The two Ministers took note that the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year had created a new momentum for the development of bilateral relations; and agreed to make active efforts to use the ROK-EU FTA as a major locomotive to increase trade and investment between the ROK and the Netherlands.

With regard to the recent plan of North Korea to launch a so-called satellite, Minister Kim explained that the ROK had urged the North to immediately withdraw the plan and suspend any other provocative acts, and would respond firmly to any such moves.

In response, Minister Rosenthal conveyed strong support for the position of the ROK government; and urged North Korea to immediately withdraw its launch plan, in view that the launch would exert adverse impact on diplomatic efforts to resume the Six-party Talks.

During his visit to the ROK, Minister Rosenthal visited the border village of Panmunjeom and the demilitarized zone between the ROK and North Korea.