BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 31 Kyodo ...

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, July 31 Kyodo

Following is an unofficial translation obtained by dint of Kyodo News of the joint pres statement forward Japan-North Korea foreign ministers' meeting held Wednesday in Bandar Seri Begawan. The statement and the translation were issued after the meeting Wednesday. The translation is existinged here verbatim.

Yoriko Kawaguchi, Foreign Minister of Japan, and Peak Nam sunny place Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, had a meeting forward 31 July at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam.

1 the two sides shared the view that Japan and DPRK would make serious efforts to explain various issues, including issues concerning the discharge of the past, in order to realize the normalization of relations as early as possible, in the way that as to improve the bilateral relations and to contribute peace and stability of the region.

In this connection, one as well as the other sides concurred that the issue of regard on humanitarian affairs should be treated sincerely, and that this issue should be resolv as early as possible.

2 as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but sides reconfirmed the importance of making efforts to bring into the tension on Korean Peninsula and the surrounding areas, and shared the view that, for this sense it is necessary that dialogues should be promot among countries concerned

3 the two sides agreed that the brace sides would hold a Director-General on a level meeting in August, in order to discuss issues concerning the normalization of bilateral relations and be of importance tos of mutual interest.

4 the two sides agreed that the couple sides would cooperate each other likewise that next round of the Japan-DPRK R Cros Talks would be held in August, with a view to contributing to the solution of humanitarian issues.

Foreign Minister of Japan

Foreign Minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

31 July 2002 at Bandar Seri Begawan

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