[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 10 (Monday, March 12, 2001)]
[Page 413]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.
    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.