Signs that read "The Wow Starts Now," promoting the upcoming release of the Windows Vista computer operating system are shown Thursday, Jan. 25, 2007 at a company cafeteria in Redmond, Wash. The world's largest software maker is expected to report fiscal second-quarter earnings after the close of trading. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial expect Microsoft to earn 23 cents per share on $12.07 billion in sales. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)



Korea and China to Closely Cooperate During Six-Party Talks

During the upcoming nuclear six-party talks in Beijing, the six countries are likely to spell out initial steps towards implementing the September 19th Joint Statement previously agreed upon among the members. According to a Chinese diplomatic source, South Korean Foreign Minister Song Min-soon and his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing have agreed to produce the document during the talks. They have also discussed the prospects of the upcoming nuclear talks, along with other bilateral issues.

The source stated that writing out the initial steps towards implementing the previously agreed-upon Joint Statement is very meaningful as a new entrance for them and the document will be a significant key for resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. The two countries have also agreed to strongly cooperate to create a new diplomatic milestone for comprehensive implementation of the September 19th Joint Statement through the upcoming six-party talks.

Song and Li have pledged to try to make the six-party talks play a role in shifting the current tense atmosphere on the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia’s security structure into a peaceful region. The two men have also agreed to increase the number of Korean officials working at the Korean embassy to Shenyang. China has limited the number at maximum of 16 officials.

During the bilateral meeting Song demanded sincere cooperation of the Chinese government as to the defectors, abductees, and former South Korean prisoners of war hiding in China without deporting them to the North. Li showed his understanding of the Korean stance during the meeting. The two officials have also agreed to cooperate with running a shuttle air route between Gimpo and Shanghai.

Both governments have agreed to cooperate for the Chinese Prime Minister to visit Korea this year in April, as scheduled, and they promised to set up an annual policy dialogue between the two countries’ vice foreign ministers for mid and long-term development.
/ 입력시간: 2007. 01.27. 09:27