The message said, in part:
“I would like to note with satisfaction that ties between Russia and the Republic of Korea have recently grown noticeably 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 major aspect of the strengthening of Russian-Korean relations is the realisation of promising mutually beneficial undertakings of both bilateral and multilateral character. Of paramount importance, it appears to us, will be the connection of the Trans-Korean Railway to the Trans-Siberian line with the objective of creating a transport corridor from Asia to Europe, as well as the projects for the delivery of Russian gas to the Republic of Korea. We hope for the growth of direct investment from the Republic of Korea into the Russian economy. All this will meet the task of strengthening the relations of constructive and mutually complementary partnership between our countries.
“Russia is concerned about the rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula in the last few months over the ‘DPRK nuclear problem’. We will exert the maximum effort 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 to ensure security on the peninsula and increase the degree of trust.
“Russia is ready to actively cooperate with the Republic of Korea in the international arena for the purpose of achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia and the Asian-Pacific region and solving global problems.”