Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Republic of Korea-New Zealand Joint Statement: Ak

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Abstract:
On the occasion of the state visit to New Zealand, the President of the Republic of Korea HE Lee Myung-bak and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Hon John Key, met and discussed the bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Republic of Korea-New Zealand Joint Statement: Ak

Auckland, New Zealand | Posted on March 2nd, 2009

The two Leaders noted that the bilateral relationship was strong and vibrant, built on rich historic ties, shared democratic values and mutual commitment to regional peace and prosperity. They expressed satisfaction with recent developments in the bilateral relationship made under the Partnership for the 21st Century and also expressed their wish further to strengthen the relationship, building on extensive bilateral cooperation in recent years.
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Bilateral 1. The two Leaders reaffirmed the importance of summit visits for the development of the bilateral relationship. As well, they agreed to continue annual Foreign Ministers' meetings and to pursue further Ministerial and high-level contacts, including parliamentary exchanges.

2. The two Leaders shared the view that the complementary economic structure of the two countries provides a significant opportunity further to increase trade and investment and agreed to strengthen cooperation to achieve this goal. The two Leaders announced that the Republic of Korea and New Zealand would begin negotiations on a Korea-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which would set the framework for future economic engagement between the two countries. They expressed their expectation to conclude the Korea- New Zealand FTA as early as possible.

3. The two Leaders noted the importance of education links in the bilateral relationship. They welcomed the signing of the Arrangement on Education Cooperation between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand Education Ministries which aims to enhance cooperation in education and training in both countries.

4. The two Leaders welcomed positive developments accruing from the Arrangement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, including the launch of a second Focal Point Programme to promote collaboration in the fields of food innovation, renewable energy and nanotechnology. Both Leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation on green growth, including collaboration on clean energy sources.

2 5. The two Leaders agreed to promote information and communications technology collaboration at an industry level, particularly regarding applications that can stimulate demand for ultra-fast broadband services.

6. The two Leaders recognised that strong people-to-people links between the Republic of Korea and New Zealand underpin the inter-governmental relationship. They agreed to continue working together to enhance tourism and utilize fully the Working Holiday Schemes in both countries.

Regional 7. The two Leaders discussed inter-Korean relations and security on the Korean Peninsula. President Lee explained the Republic of Korea's North Korea policy of Mutual Benefits and Common Prosperity and its position on the North Korean nuclear issue. Prime Minister Key reaffirmed New Zealand's support for the Six Party Talks as the best process to achieve denuclearisation of North Korea and welcomed the Republic of Korea's efforts to promote peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.

8. The two Leaders affirmed that New Zealand and the Republic of Korea would cooperate closely to achieve shared objectives in regional institutions such as the East Asia Summit, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the Association of South East Asian Nations Regional Forum. They committed their countries to work together in addressing regional responses to the current global financial and economic situation, and to promote opportunities for closer regional economic integration.

9. The two Leaders discussed the current political and economic situation in the South Pacific region and agreed to cooperate for the promotion of peace and stability in the region.

Global 10. Noting their shared concern on the deepening global economic crisis, the two Leaders agreed to share information on the New Zealand and the Republic of Korea policy responses and to work together in relevant international settings. They emphasised the importance of maintaining open markets and the role of ongoing trade liberalisation in restoring economic growth.

11. The two Leaders expressed their commitment to cooperate closely in the United Nations and other multilateral fora on issues such as counter-terrorism, transnational crimes including piracy, human rights, peacekeeping, development and United Nations reform.

12. The two Leaders discussed candidatures of their respective countries in various international fora.