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As for Korea-Russia relations, Seoul and Moscow have reconfirmed their close relations by declaring a new era of "mutual trust and comprehensive partnership" in expressing a firm determination to further develop bilateral relations. This choice of diplomatic language is a step forward from the "constructive and mutually supplementary relations" declared in June 1994 between the two nations, according to Chong Wa Dae officials.
In particular, it is worthy of notice that the two nations agreed to cooperate in the areas of energy, aerospace, information technology, and oceanic science as part of efforts to realize new relations.
Furthermore, President Roh Moo-hyun and Russian President Vladimir Putin adopted a 10-point joint declaration at the end of their summit, promising to hold further talks on a regular basis. The statement also spoke of strengthened cooperation to resolve the continuing impasse over North Korea's nuclear programs through dialogue and reconfirms the principle of a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.
"Roh and Putin also concurred on the need to closely cooperate to resolve the nuclear standoff through the on-going six-party talks," presidential aide for foreign policy Chung Woosung said during a media briefing on the outcome of the summit meeting.
The two nations are also set to join hands to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, fight terrorism and support the role of the United Nations for the promotion of regional security.