AMBASSADOR, INDIANA GOVERNOR GREET NEW PM

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 002140 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2014 TAGS: PREL PREF PGOV KS KN SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR, INDIANA GOVERNOR GREET NEW PM Classified By: Amb. Alexander R. Vershbow. Reasons 1.4(b/d). SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (SBU) On June 26, the Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, during which PM Han stressed the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance and bringing the DPRK back to the Six Party Talks. The Prime Minister also expressed a personal interest in the Kaesong Industrial Complex (KIC) and including the ROK in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In a later meeting with visiting Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, PM Han and Gov. Daniels noted the strong ties between Korea and Indiana, and discussed the development of a "sister region" program. In addition, PM Han and Gov. Daniels both expressed support for an FTA and Korea's inclusion in the VWP. END SUMMARY. PM EXPRESSES FAITH IN ALLIANCE, 6PT, KIC -------------- ¶2. (C) During a meeting with the Ambassador on June 26, PM Han stressed that, for the sake of peace in Northeast Asia, it would be important for the U.S. and ROK to confirm their close and harmonious relationship and continue to develop the alliance. PM Han said that the ROK would continue to work with the U.S. to resolve the missile issue and urge North Korea's return to the Six Party Talks. PM Han also expressed her personal interest in the KIC. She predicted that that it could become a catalyst for economic change in North Korea. As a focal point of economic cooperation between the ROK and DPRK, she said, the KIC could help North Korea open its doors. PM Han noted the Ambassador's recent visit to the KIC and asked for his continued interest in the project. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador agreed with PM Han that the U.S. and ROK should work together to introduce market economic practices in North Korea. Projects such as the KIC, he said, held much potential; however, there were still questions regarding labor conditions and the payment of wages. The Ambassador said that it would be in all parties' interests to resolve these labor issues as quickly as possible. ¶4. (C) PM Han said that the most important task would be to bring the DPRK back to the Six Party Talks. To that end, the Minister of Unification recently urged the North Koreans to return to the talks. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon went to Beijing to urge China to play a more active mediating role and use its influence to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table. PM Han was pleased that the U.S. and ROK would have further opportunities to discuss these and other issues in depth during the Secretary's visit to Seoul in July and President Roh's visit to Washington in September. GOVERNOR AND PM PROMOTE INDIANA-ROK TIES -------------- ¶5. (SBU) In a separate meeting later on the same day with Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and the Ambassador, the Prime Minister noted that the ROK and Indiana were similar in size and were both home to advanced steel and automotive industries. She noted the large number of Koreans living and doing business in Indiana and expressed hope that ties would further strengthen. Specifically, she suggested that Indiana set up a "sister region" program with the ROK that would further facilitate exchange. PM Han said the program should not be limited to Seoul, but include other areas as well. ¶6. (SBU) The Governor agreed that Indiana and Korea were a natural pairing, particularly with regard to manufacturing. He also pointed to similarities in family values, work ethic, and community identity. Thus, he looked forward to using this trip to build on existing ties and to introduce Indiana to Korean companies that might be seeking investment opportunities. The Governor welcomed the Prime Minister's "sister region" suggestion and said he would direct his staff to work with the Prime Minister's office to identify suitable areas for consideration. COMMON GROUND ON FTA, VWP -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Optimistic that an FTA would increase trade between the U.S. and Korea, PM Han expressed hope that an agreement would be successfully concluded. She said that she would make all efforts to reach an agreement and hoped that the U.S. would make similar efforts as well. The Governor said he was pleased that both sides seemed eager to reach agreement because an FTA would be in the interest of the U.S. and Indiana. He told the Prime Minister that if an agreement was reached, he would urge members of Congress to support its ratification. ¶8. (SBU) The Prime Minister also asked for the Governor's support for the Visa Waiver Program, which would help promote people-to-people exchanges between the ROK and Indiana. The Governor said that he supported Korea's efforts to join the VWP. Indiana's universities would be especially interested in bringing in more Korean students, he said. ¶9. (SBU) Gov. Daniels did not have an opportunity to clear this cable. VERSHBOW