Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a Congratulatory Message to President Roh Moo-Hyun of the Republic of South Korea on his assumption of office.

The message reads in part:

"I would like to note with satisfaction that ties between Russia and the Republic of Korea in recent years have noticeably grown stronger. Political contacts are deepening, cultural exchanges are widening, and the volume of bilateral trade is increasing. Cooperation in the military technological field has good prospects. "A substantial role in the cause of Russian-Korean rapprochement is called upon to play by the realization of promising mutually beneficial undertakings of both a bilateral and a multilateral character. Of paramount importance, it appears to us, will be the connection of the Transkorean Railway to the Trans-Siberian Mainline with the objective of creating a transport corridor from Asia to Europe, as well as the projects for deliveries to the Republic of Korea of Russian gas. We hope for the growth of direct investment from the Republic of Korea in the Russian economy. All this will meet the task of strengthening the relations of constructive and mutually complementary partnership between our countries.

"Russia regards with concern the growth of tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the last few months over the 'DPRK nuclear problem.' We will exert maximum efforts towards a peaceful resolution of this conflict by constructively influencing Pyongyang and Washington. I think you share our opinion that a continued dialogue between South and North Korea and the development of inter-Korean economic cooperation are major factors for stability on the Korean Peninsula. I believe that in the present situation it is necessary to build on cooperation between Russia and the Republic of Korea in ensuring security on the peninsula and increasing the degree of trust.

"Russia is ready to cooperate actively with the Republic of Korea in the international arena for the purpose of achieving a lasting peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region and solving global problems."

The message was conveyed by Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Sergei Mironov, who represented Russia at the ceremony of inauguration of the new President of the Republic of Korea.


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© Publication of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

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