For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 16, 2005
Joint Declaration on the Rok-U.s. Alliance and Peace on the Korean Peninsula
Joint Declaration on the ROK-U.S. Alliance and Peace on the Korean
Peninsula
President Roh Moo-hyun of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and President
George W. Bush of the United States of America held a summit meeting on
November 17, 2005, in Gyeongju.
President Bush expressed his deep appreciation for Korea's natural
beauty and ancient culture which he was able to experience together with
President Roh at Gyeongju.
The two leaders had an in-depth discussion on a wide range of issues:
the alliance, the North Korean nuclear issue, inter-Korean relations and
establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, economic
cooperation, and cooperation in regional and global issues.
Reaffirming that the alliance is strong, the two leaders concurred that
the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue is essential for
establishing durable peace on the Korean peninsula.
President Roh and President Bush highlighted the contribution of the
alliance to securing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in
Northeast Asia for the past fifty years.
The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with the steady development
of the ROK-U.S. relationship into a comprehensive, dynamic and
mutually-beneficial alliance relationship, as agreed upon during the May
14, 2003, summit in Washington D.C.
The two leaders reviewed the successful force realignment agreements and
shared the view that this realignment will further enhance the combined
defense capability of the alliance. They expressed the common
understanding that U.S. Forces-Korea (USFK) is essential for the peace
and stability of the Peninsula and Northeast Asia.
The two leaders agreed that the alliance not only stands against threats
but also for the promotion of the common values of democracy, market
economy, freedom, and human rights in Asia and around the world.
President Roh and President Bush spoke highly of the successful
agreements on the relocation of USFK bases including Yong-san Garrison,
and the partial reduction of USFK, which was accomplished through close
ROK-U.S. consultation. Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the
agreements between the two sides were being faithfully implemented.
President Bush expressed appreciation for the assistance that Korean
troops are giving to a swifter establishment of peace and reconstruction
in Iraq and Afghanistan and also for the contribution the Korean
government has made towards strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance through
such efforts.
President Roh and President Bush agreed to launch a strategic dialogue
called Strategic Consultation for Allied Partnership (SCAP) at the
ministerial-level to consult on bilateral, regional and global issues of
mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to have the first strategic
dialogue at the beginning of 2006.
President Roh and President Bush reiterated that a nuclear-armed North
Korea will not be tolerated, and reaffirmed the principles that the
North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved through peaceful and
diplomatic means and that North Korea should eliminate its nuclear
weapons programs promptly and verifiably.
The two leaders welcomed the September 19 Joint Statement concluded
during the fourth round of the Six-Party Talks as an important step
towards the goal of a denuclearized North Korea.
They welcomed North Korea's commitment to abandon all nuclear weapons
and existing nuclear programs and reaffirmed their commitment to take
measures outlined in the Joint Statement.
The two leaders looked forward to progress in the fifth round of talks,
which should be dedicated to the implementation of the Joint Statement.
President Roh reaffirmed that the ROK will continue to pursue the
development of inter-Korean relations in accordance with its Peace and
Prosperity Policy and in harmony with progress in resolving the nuclear
issue so that both are mutually reinforcing. President Bush expressed
support for South-North reconciliation and pledged to continue close
cooperation and coordination as it develops.
The two leaders shared a common understanding that the process of
resolving the North Korean nuclear issue will provide an important basis
to build a durable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.
The two leaders agreed that reducing the military threat on the Korean
Peninsula and moving from the current armistice mechanism to a peace
mechanism would contribute to full reconciliation and peaceful
reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
Pursuant to the September 19th Six Party Joint Statement, the two
leaders agreed that discussions on a peace regime should take place
amongst directly-related parties in a forum separate from the Six-Party
Talks and following progress in those Talks, and expected that the
discussions on a peace regime and the Six Party Talks will be mutually
reinforcing.
They agreed that these peace discussions should lead to a decreased
military threat and increased confidence on the peninsula in a manner
consistent with the peaceful intentions of the U.S.-ROK alliance.
The two leaders exchanged views on the situation for the people of the
North and, based on a common hope for a better future, agreed to
continue seeking ways to improve their condition.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen ROK-U.S. cooperation so that APEC,
as a major economic forum encompassing the Asia-Pacific, can respond
more effectively to important demands from the region in the future.
President Roh and President Bush agreed to closely cooperate with each
other with a view to ensuring the success of the forthcoming 6th WTO
Ministerial conference and the final conclusion of the WTO Doha
development agenda negotiations.
The two presidents recognized that close economic ties are an important
pillar of the bilateral relationship and agreed that deepening and
strengthening our economic and trade cooperation will contribute to the
prosperity and freedom of both nations.
President Bush announced that the U.S. will work with the ROK to develop
a visa waiver program roadmap to assist Korea in meeting the
requirements for membership in the program. Korea's interest in
participating in the VWP reflects our strong bilateral partnership and
will contribute to enhance exchanges and mutual understanding.
President Roh and President Bush agreed to make common efforts to
develop a regional multilateral security dialogue and a cooperation
mechanism, so as to jointly respond to regional security issues. In this
regard, both leaders noted that the participants in the Six-Party Talks
agreed through the Joint Statement to look for ways and means to promote
security cooperation in Northeast Asia and that there was a common
understanding among the participants that the Six-Party Talks could
develop into such a regional multilateral security consultative
mechanism once the North Korean nuclear issue is resolved.
The two leaders also agreed to continuously strengthen bilateral
cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations,
including through such activities as peace-keeping operations.
The two leaders agreed to continue to cooperate in fighting the global
war on terror, and dealing with various international security issues
including transnational crimes.
The two leaders agreed to cooperate in arms reduction and efforts to
prevent the proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery at a
regional and global level.
President Roh and President Bush agreed to continue to work together
towards a full partnership between allies.
# # #
|