Let me start by extending a heartfelt welcome to High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton to Korea. Her visit marks a significant milestone in the history of the ROK-EU bilateral relations, as her visit is the first of its kind by the High Representative of the EU. It is worth noting that she is one of the very witnesses of the development of the ROK-EU relations, as she was the one who negotiated the three agreements that constitute the main pillars of the bilateral relations - namely, the ROK-EU Framework Agreement, EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Agreement Establishing a Framework for the Participation of the Republic of Korea in European Union Crisis Management Operations, which was signed today.

As you are aware, we had a brief meeting in New York in early May on the sidelines of the UN Security Council Open Debate. That she visited Korea in less than 3 weeks from then despite the great deal of pressing issues including the situations in Ukraine, I think, reflects her commitment to further consolidating the ROK-EU relations.

In today's meeting, we discussed the pending issues between the Republic of Korea and the EU, as well as North Korea and its nuclear issue, including the North's lastest provocation, and the situation in Northeast Asia and the world. We concurred with each other in ways to further expand our future cooperation in a wide rage of areas.

First of all, we shared the view that the ROK-EU Summit, which was held in November in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, served as an opportunity for the two sides, as "natural partners", to further upgrade the bilateral relations in all aspects, as well as to present a future roadmap for the next 50 years. We also reviewed the progress made in implementing the follow-up measures to the ROK-EU Summit.

In this regard, we noted with satisfaction that the first 'ROK-EU Cyber Policy Consultation' took place in May, and that 'the Joint Seminar on Northeast Asia Peace and Cooperation Initiative' and 'the Industrial Policy Dialogue' are slated for this coming September and October, respectively. Furthermore, I elaborated on the upcoming effectuation of the two agreements. The Additional Protocol to the EU-Korea Free Trade Agreement, reflecting Croatia's accession to the EU, will take effect from May 26 and the ROK-EU Framework Agreement from June 1, with the completion of relevant procedures.

We also continued to exchange views on illegal fishing. Our two sides agreed to encourage cooperation among the related fisheries authorities in a more proactive manner so that this issue will be resolved adequately under the context of close bilateral relations between Korea and the EU.

On the other hand, deepening cooperation at the global level is another important task for the ROK and the EU in the future development of the bilateral relations. In this context, we reaffirmed that the foundation for the Strategic Partnership, which is on its path toward a 'future-oriented partnership', will be strengthened in the global security arena, with today's official signing of the Agreement related to crisis management.

Baroness Ashton and I also exchanged views on North Korea and its nuclear issue. We once again made it clear that the two sides would not tolerate the North's development of nuclear programs, the international community would resolutely respond to additional provocations including nuclear tests, and agreed to further strengthen cooperation toward deterring North Korea's provocations and toward its denuclearization. In particular, we agreed that the provocation that took place in the south of NLL yesterday will never be accepted.

The EU side reaffirmed its commitment to cooperate with the ROK Government on its policy toward North Korea. Standing firm on this commitment, our two sides agreed to further enhance the collaboration capability under various possible situations requiring crisis management, including those on the Korean Peninsula, by strengthening the ROK-EU Consultations on North Korea Issues and fully implementing the Agreement that was signed today.

In terms of the situation in Northeast Asia, we exchanged candid views on the recent moves of the other countries in the region and their security policies, as well as the impact of a series of events occurring outside of the region. We agreed on the need to intensify strategic conversations on the new stream of developments in global affairs as strategic partners.

I think the results of today's meeting well demonstrate the closeness of the ROK-EU relations and the potential for its further development. And I have every confidence that Baroness Ashton will continue to play a crucial role as the ROK-EU relations, based on mutual trust and common values, develop into a model case for any bilateral relations. Thank you.