Korea Chair Monitor | Vol 2 Issue 13

The Korea Chair team takes a biweekly look back at events of interest in Washington, Seoul, and the region from June 26 - July 9, 2014.

PRC-ROK RELATIONS | Park Geun-hye – Xi Jinping Summit and Joint Statement
South Korean president Park Geun-hye held a state summit with Chinese president Xi Jinping on July 3 at the Blue House in Seoul. In their second summit since both took office last year, the two leaders adopted a joint statement that expressed their desire to deepen bilateral relations, strengthen cooperation to maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and North Asia, and expand economic cooperation and trade. The two leaders pledged to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement by the end of 2014 and also agreed to launch a Korea-China young leaders forum, sign a consular agreement between the two countries, and reopen negotiations on maritime boundaries by next year.