Changes are taking place around the world, including Northeast Asia. This region of strategic importance is growing in economic aggregate, with its political and economic standing in the Asia-Pacific and the world constantly on the rise.

The Sunshine Policy is a truly exhausting venture. We need courage and patience. We need sincerity and wisdom. We must successfully overcome virtually endless challenges. But I am sure that out Sunshine Policy is a historical necessity.

Much remains to be done before the remnants of Cold War divisions are completely removed from the Korean Peninsula. Achievement of this objective will require the full cooperation of all countries in Northeast Asian region, and of the United States as well.

The stability and prosperity of China, Korea, and Japan in Northeast Asia greatly affect not only Southeast Asia, but also the entire Asia Pacific region. Therefore, even in
regard to Korea-Japan relations, such recognition is used as a basis of our country’s foreign policy in sustaining friendship and cooperation.

A unified Korea will also play an active role in Northeast Asia’s economic development. With the vast natural resources in northwest China, Mongolia, and Siberia, and the human resources, capital, technology, and management skills of southeast China, Korea, Japan and the United States, the potential is endless.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries also had an important international response. It assisted the invigoration and improvement of the situation on the Korea Peninsula, and in the North-East Asia in general, as well as substantially influencing the international climate as a whole.