By Na Jeong-ju
President Lee Myung-bak and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan are expected to hold a summit on Dec.18 in the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto to discuss the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Seoul and Tokyo, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported Monday.
Lee and Kan are also expected to discuss measures to implement a bilateral accord signed on Nov. 14 in Yokohama between foreign ministers from both nations on the transfer of royal documents belonging to Korea that Japan stole during its 1910-45 colonial rule.
Under the agreement, which requires approval from Japan’s parliament, Tokyo will return 1,205 ancient books, including a collection of royal protocols from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), known as “Uigwe.” The stolen books are now being kept at the Imperial Household Agency in Tokyo.
A Cheong Wa Dae spokesman refused to conform the NHK report, saying talks were still underway between the two nations to fix a schedule for the summit.
At their latest summit in Yokohama, which was held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meeting, Lee and Kan agreed to bring the so-called shuttle diplomacy back on track to boost bilateral economic and cultural ties.
On the proposed free trade deal between Seoul and Tokyo, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed hope for an early resumption of the negotiations. Lee proposed “serious discussions” on the matter when he visits Japan next time.
“The two leaders agreed in principle to meet as frequently as possible, but Lee’s visit could be delayed if the Japanese parliament fails to endorse Kan’s plan to return the stolen books,” a presidential aide said on condition of anonymity.
The Lee-Kan summit, if realized, will also focus on North Korea’s nuclear program, the aide said.
The leaders are expected to exchange opinions on the revelation that Pyongyang was operating a new uranium enrichment plant with 2,000 centrifuges installed and running.
“Lee and Kan will reaffirm their joint stance on the nuclear issue and urge Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions,” the aide said.