Date 1999-07-29 Ref. NO 2 Subject President Kim and U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen Agree to Closely Cooperate to Deter N.K. Mis
[Press Release]
President Kim and U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen Agree to Closely Cooperate to Deter N.K. Missile Launch President Kim today met with U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen at the presidential summer retreat Chong Nam Dae and agreed to closely coordinate efforts among Korea, the U.S. and Japan to deter North Korea's possible test launching of a missile for the second time in a year.
The two leaders stressed the need for the three countries to continue to cooperate and devise concrete countermeasures among working-level officials even after the possible test-firing of the missile. They agreed that the roles of China and Russia are important in settling the issues involving Pyongyang's missile launch scheme.
Following are excerpts of the conversation between President Kim and Defense Secretary Cohen:
KIM: Thank you for taking trouble to come to see me all the way to this vacation place. The first good news I heard since I came down here over the weekend was that typhoon Neil had decided not to hit mainland Korea and changed its course toward the West Sea. The second good news is your visit here today. The fact that the officials of our two countries can talk face to face anytime, particularly over the North Korean missile issue this time, is refreshing. It is also good to see Ambassador Bosworth and General Tilleli.
COHEN: Thank you for meeting with us while on vacation. I am honored to see and talk with you at this fine retreat. General Tilleli says he is also pleased to visit this retreat for the first time.
KIM: Staying at this place alone, I sometimes feel lonely. I am glad to have a friend from afar.
COHEN: The quiet atmosphere here should help you deliberate on national affairs and North Korean questions. (He then explained about his meetings several days ago with Prime Minister Obuchi and other Japanese leaders on the missiles issue.) The message I am bringing from Washington is that the ROK, the U.S. and Japan need to demonstrate their coordinating capacity in connection with Pyongyang's possible missile launch.
When North Korean navy ships crossed the NLL (Northern Limit Line) recently, Korea and the U.S. cooperated closely with each other and sent a strong and punitive message to Pyongyang. The U.S. supports your engagement policy toward North Korea and intends to continue to maintain firm security cooperation.
KIM: The best way to cope with the North Korean missile question is for our two countries and Japan to maintain close coordination both before and after any possible launch.
COHEN: I agree with you.
KIM: It is important to let Pyongyang authorities know that the possible missile launch will not benefit them at all and that they will get a lot of incentives for not firing missiles.
COHEN: I feel the same way.
KIM: In connection with the North Korean missile question, the role of China is important. Pyongyang's missile launch does not help China which wants peace and stability in Northeast Asia. The U.S. needs to emphasize this fact when talking with the Chinese Government. I am certain that you will be able to do a lot in dismantling the last remnants of the Cold War lingering on the Korean Peninsula.
COHEN: Thank you. The Korean economy was in a very difficult situation when you were elected President but has since recovered substantially. Congratulations to you and your leadership.
KIM: The recovery is the result of the combined efforts of the Korean people and support given by the people of the U.S. and our other international friends.
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