[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: GEORGE W. BUSH (2001, Book I)]
[March 7, 2001]
[Pages 204-205]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Joint Statement Between the United States of America and the Republic of 
Korea
March 7, 2001

    President George W. Bush and President Kim Dae-jung of the Republic of Korea today reaffirmed the 
fundamental importance and strength of the U.S.-ROK security alliance, 
which has prevented war and promoted stability, prosperity, and 
democracy on the Korean Peninsula for over five decades. The two 
Presidents pledged to deepen further the comprehensive partnership 
shared by the United States and the Republic of Korea through enhanced 
security, political, economic and cultural cooperation.
    The two Presidents agreed that reconciliation and cooperation 
between South and North Korea contribute to peace on the Korean 
Peninsula and lasting stability in Northeast Asia. President Bush 
expressed support for the Republic of Korea Government's policy of 
engagement with North Korea and President Kim's 
leading role in resolving inter-Korean issues. The two leaders shared 
the hope that a second inter-Korean summit will make a positive 
contribution to inter-Korean relations and Northeast Asian security.
    Both Presidents reaffirmed their commitment to continue the 1994 
Agreed Framework and called on North Korea to join in taking the needed 
steps for its successful implementation. They agreed to encourage North 
Korea to take actions to address the concerns of the international 
community. The Presidents agreed on the importance of maintaining close 
consultations and coordination on policy toward North Korea, both 
bilaterally and trilaterally with Japan.

[[Page 205]]

    President Bush and President Kim agreed that 
the global security environment is fundamentally different than during 
the Cold War. New types of threats, including from weapons of mass 
destruction and missiles as a means of delivery, have emerged that 
require new approaches to deterrence and defense. The two leaders shared 
the view that countering these threats requires a broad strategy 
involving a variety of measures, including active non-proliferation 
diplomacy, defensive systems, and other pertinent measures. They 
concurred on the importance of consultations among allies and other 
interested parties on these measures, including missile defenses, with a 
view to strengthening global peace and security.
    President Bush and President Kim noted that 
the United States and the Republic of Korea are developing more mature 
and mutually beneficial bilateral economic and trade relations. Both 
sides agreed to work together closely to support Korea's economic reform 
efforts and to address bilateral trade issues. The two leaders endorsed 
the early launch of a new round of trade negotiations in the WTO.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.