1. The third summit meeting between the EU and the Republic of Korea was held in Helsinki on 9 September 2006. The EU was represented by Matti Vanhanen, Prime Minister of Finland in his capacity as President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso. The Republic of Korea was represented by the President Roh Moo-hyun.
2. Summit Leaders reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen the partnership between the EU and the Republic of Korea, which share fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the market economy. The Leaders reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the 2001 bilateral Framework Agreement for Trade and Cooperation and the annexed Joint Declaration on Political Dialogue between the Republic of Korea and the EU.
3. The EU welcomed the continued efforts of the Republic of Korea to promote peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and noted its commitment to regional stability and integration. In this regard, the EU indicated its willingness to share its own experience of integration in Europe and to actively continue to contribute to the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asian region.
4. Summit Leaders noted that a number of important results had been achieved since the last summit such as the increase in bilateral trade and investment, the enhancement of political dialogue and of scientific and technological co-operation.
5. The Leaders also discussed recent social and economic initiatives including government innovation and reform in the Republic of Korea, and shared views on relevant European experiences, including the implementation of the EU Lisbon Strategy. The EU and the Republic of Korea recalled the need to extend the benefits of globalisation for all, to promote decent work, and to strengthen the social dimension of globalization. Leaders affirmed their determination to respect, protect, and promote cultural diversity and the equal dignity of all cultures, and acknowledged the importance of the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for this matter. They also emphasized the growing importance of dialogue among cultures and civilizations.
6. The Leaders reviewed the discussions at the EU/Republic of Korea Joint Committee Meeting in June 2006 and agreed to redouble their efforts to resolve outstanding bilateral trade and investment issues. They also discussed ways to strengthen further their economic cooperation. They noted that the EU and the Republic of Korea are conducting exploratory talks, at the technical level, on a possible EU/Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement. The aim of this discussion is to verify their common level of ambition and readiness to examine the feasibility of a comprehensive FTA. They agreed to continue their efforts to achieve tangible positive outcomes in all areas of trade and cooperation.
7. The Leaders witnessed and welcomed today’s signing of the EU/Korea cooperation Agreement on Civil Navigation Satellite System. They assessed the scope for further cooperation in such fields as competition policy, science and technology, air transport, information society, environment, ODA, industry and education. In particular, the Leaders welcomed the recent agreements on Scientific and Technological Cooperation and on Fusion Energy Research. Both sides confirmed the importance of accelerating discussions on civil aviation. The Leaders reiterated their commitment to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and to its expeditious installation at Cadarache in France. They also welcomed the recent opening of an EU Centre in Seoul and the success of EU/Republic of Korea Executive Training Programme. Both sides emphasized that actions could be taken to diminish the health and economic impacts of avian flu and threats of a possible human pandemic, as well as of HIV-AIDS.
8. The Leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to work towards lasting peace and stability on the Korean peninsula including the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue. The Leaders emphasised their wish to see the Six-Party-Talks process resume as soon as possible and make progress on implementing the Joint Statement of 19 September 2005. They encouraged the DPRK to take further steps in modernising its economy and to participate in the international community as a full and responsible member protecting the welfare and rights of its citizens. In this context, the EU reiterated its firm support for the Republic of Korea’s Policy for Peace and Prosperity, pointing out that exchanges between South and North Korea should foster a favourable environment for a peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue. For its part, the EU remains committed to maintaining its engagement with the DPRK on issues such as the nuclear programme, human rights, good governance and economic modernisation, and will continue to provide humanitarian assistance and food security to its population while needs exist. The Leaders noted that the KEDO reactor project had been formally terminated. The Leaders expressed their grave concern over North Korea’s multiple launch of missiles, which undermined peace and stability in Northeast Asia and negatively impacted North Korea’s relations with its surrounding countries. They strongly called on North Korea to reinstate its moratorium on missile testing, return to the Six-Party Talks without further delay, and commit to the faithful implementation of the 19 September 2005 Joint Statement. The Leaders confirmed their support to the international community’s efforts in formulating a decisive and united response that would also be conducive to the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
9. The Leaders recognised that the Korean Peninsula is a strategic area within Northeast Asia where the cooperation among neighbouring countries is fundamental to regional prosperity and stability. They welcomed the increase of economic exchanges between neighbours and expressed a desire to see the development of political relations benefit the Northeast Asian region. The EU and the Republic of Korea are of the view that any regional issues of concern should be resolved by peaceful and diplomatic means.
10. Both sides also acknowledged the substantial work on regional security being undertaken by the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). Korea welcomed the EU’s interest in the rapidly evolving East Asia regional cooperation with a view to building an East Asian Community.
11. President Roh recognised that the enlarged EU provides valuable sources of reference for regional cooperation based on the community of law and community of values. President Barroso referred to the role of the EU Enlargement and Neighbourhood policies in furthering these values.
12. The EU and the Republic of Korea look forward to a successful 6th ASEM Summit to be held in Helsinki during September 10-11, 2006. Both the EU and the Republic of Korea viewed ASEM as a valuable framework for an Asia-Europe informal dialogue and cooperation, and believed that the summit, which marks the 10th anniversary of cooperation, will take the process forward. The EU expressed appreciation for the contributions that the Republic of Korea has been making as an ASEM coordinator.
13. Summit Leaders welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006) which led to the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. UNSCR 1701 (2006) sets the required framework for a political settlement of the crisis supported by the reinforced UNIFIL forces in which the EU Member States play a leading role. Summit leaders urged all parties in the region to play a constructive role in helping to swiftly implement this resolution. They also stressed their determination to bring humanitarian assistance to the people of Lebanon.
14. The Leaders reaffirmed their support for a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on existing agreements which include the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles laid down in the Road Map. They welcomed the establishment of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM).
15. The Republic of Korea welcomed European efforts to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation and expressed its hope for substantial progress on this matter with such efforts. The leaders called on Iran to implement UNSCR 1696 (2006) and all Resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors. The leaders also welcomed the proposals put forward by China, France, Germany, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union, for a comprehensive arrangement with Iran, based on mutual respect and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme.
16. The Leaders welcomed the formation of a broad-based coalition government in Iraq, condemned strongly all acts of terrorism, and reiterated their support for all efforts aimed at promoting inclusiveness and reconciliation in Iraq. They also encouraged further international engagement with Iraq, including in the context of the International Compact put forward by the Iraqi government.
17. In the broader Asian context, the EU and the Republic of Korea supported the successful completion of the Bonn process. They are committed to supporting the Afghan government, in close partnership, in implementing the Afghanistan Compact so as to build a democratic, accountable and sustainable state.
18. The European Union and the Republic of Korea reiterated their condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, irrespective of the motives of those who perpetrate terrorist acts. Both sides attached great importance to counter-terrorism cooperation in the framework of the United Nations and shared a commitment to universal ratification and full implementation of all international counter-terrorism Conventions and related Protocols. They also expressed the aspiration to reach an early international consensus on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism and on a UN strategy for combating terrorism, based on the proposals of the UN Secretary General. The European Union and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism with full respect of obligations under international law, in particular human rights law, refugee law and international humanitarian law.
19. Both sides exchanged ideas and experiences with regard to the terrorist threat in their respective regions as well as on the fight against terrorist financing and the protection of air and maritime transport.
20. Summit Leaders reiterated their commitment to strengthen the disarmament and non-proliferation regime including maintaining the integrity of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and affirmed the importance of cooperation at the 2006 Review Conference of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.
21. Summit leaders expressed their support for reform efforts of the UN system in the framework of working for an effective multilateralism. Both sides underlined the importance of implementing the on-going reform process agreed at the UN Summit, including the reform of main UN bodies. They warmly welcomed the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council, as an essential element in the UN system of protection and promotion of human rights and the Peacebuilding Commission, as a sustained and coordinated support mechanism to countries emerging from conflict. They underlined the importance of actively contributing to the work of both bodies.
22. Noting that climate change is one of the most serious challenges being faced on Earth, both sides confirmed their support for finding global solutions. Both long term and immediate actions are required and all countries have a role to play respectively. The Leaders noted the importance of the Action Plan adopted at the Montreal Climate Conference, thanks to which crucial discussions on further action to address climate change have been initiated under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Kyoto Protocol. They emphasised the important role of multilateral cooperation and dialogue on global action, including in the context of ASEM, and of technology, market- based mechanisms and innovative financing in support of achieving the ultimate goals of the Convention. They expressed their support for strengthening bilateral contacts on these issues.
23. Summit leaders shared the view that energy markets are becoming more integrated and that energy security has become an important element in foreign policy-making. They recalled that the improvement of energy efficiency and energy conservation contributes synergistic benefits both to energy security and to price stability as well as in the long run to mitigation of climate change. The EU and the Republic of Korea will focus their continued consultations on energy issues, such as security of energy supply, energy efficiency and energy conservation as well as on research and development of clean energy and renewable sources.
24. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading regime and to continue to work closely to bring the WTO/DDA negotiations to an ambitious and balanced conclusion. They expressed deep regret about the suspension of the negotiations and readiness to go back to the negotiating table as soon as circumstances would allow. They called on all parties to the negotiations to show the necessary flexibility to allow the negotiations to resume as soon as possible. They emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement creating new opportunities for trade in goods and services and strengthening multilateral rules.
25. The Leaders welcomed the continuing, dynamic development of their bilateral relations, and underlined the pivotal role and the potential for the use of the EU/Republic of Korea Framework Agreement to their mutual benefit. They renewed their commitment to bilateral consultation channels, including Summit Meetings, Ministerial Meetings, the Joint Committee and enhanced Political Dialogue Meetings as key means for achieving the common goal of stronger bilateral relations. The EU and the Republic of Korea view the success of this Summit as very substantive and as a further stepping stone in its growing partnership of progress towards achievement of shared goals.