1. The 4th Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Korea and the US took place in Seoul on October 16, with the ROK’s First Vice Foreign Minister Ahn Ho-young and US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns leading their respective delegations.

2. In their morning session, the Vice Minister and the Deputy Secretary held in-depth discussions on matters of mutual concern with a focus on the future direction of the ROK-US strategic alliance, North Korea’s nuclear issue and its current situation, the situation in East Asia and other global issues.

° The two sides noted with appreciation that over the past five years, the two countries, building on their shared values, developed their cooperative ties in a wide range of fields, including politics, security, economy, society and culture, into a comprehensive strategic alliance. They agreed to continue working together to further strengthen their strong ties. 

° The two sides shared the view that the situation on the Korean Peninsula should be managed in a stable manner ahead of the presidential elections in both countries. They exchanged views on the current situation in North Korea as well as ways to resolve its nuclear issue.

° In their discussion on the current situation in East Asia and the regional cooperation through such mechanisms as the East Asia Summit, the two sides agreed to work closely together for the stability and prosperity in East Asia.

° The two delegations made an assessment of the latest developments in the Middle East. They also had an in-depth discussion on ways to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue toward an early stabilization and development in the Middle East as well as ways to work together in development aid for countries such as Libya and Egypt.

3. During the ensuing luncheon session chaired by Director-General for North American Affairs Lee Baek-soon and Jim Zumwalt, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, the two sides exchanged views on ways to boost exchanges, such as youth exchange programs and cooperation programs in science and technology, between the younger generations of the two countries in a bid to further develop the bilateral alliance in the future.

4. Taking note of the value of their Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue, the two sides agreed to hold the next round in Washington at a mutually convenient time next year.

                         Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation