Minister Meets the President of the France-Korea Friendship Association of Congressmen

2008-01-10 16:12
Seoul--(뉴스와이어)--Minister Song Min-soon met with Mr. Patrick Beaudouin, new President of the France-Korea Friendship Association of Congressmen(KFFAC) and Mr. Thierry de Montbrial, Director of the French Institute of International Affairs (IFRI), currently on their visit to Korea to attend the 7th Korea-France Forum, in Seoul on January 10. They shared views on the development of Korea-France relations, the Korea-EU FTA negotiations, the situation on the Korean Peninsula and major global issues.

Minister Song noted the successful outcome of the 7th Korea-France Forum and asked for the active role of the KFFAC for the development of the Korea-France relations. He also asked for the French side to render efforts to resolve major issues including the early conclusion of the Korea-EU FTA, the North Korean nuclear issue and the situation in Palestine.

President Beaudouin, stressing the importance of the roles of Korea and France in resolving international issues, expressed his willingness to contribute to the efforts to conclude the Korea-EU FTA at the earliest date possible, and to promote substantial cooperation between Korea and France.

The Korea-France Forum has been held annually since 1995, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation and the IFRI. It is a key channel for intellectual dialogue between Korea and France to promote bilateral cooperation, with participants from various sectors of the society including the press, business circles and academic organizations of both countries.