Japan, ROK vow to ensure 2002 WC a success

TOKYO, Jan 1: In an unprecedented joint New Year message, Japanese and South Korean leaders vowed today to work together for the success of World Cup 2002 despite the two nations' bitter historical ties, reports AFP.

"The success of the World Cup is an ultimate task closely watched by the world," Japan's Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi said in a television linkup with South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung.

"It is essential that we create a firm relationship of trust by making the World Cup a success and through numerous exchanges toward 2002."

Kim said: "The co-hosting of the World Cup is divine providence to realise friendly relations between the two countries."

"We will be able to deepen our understanding if we face each other and understanding may lead to friendship and cooperation."

The 2002 World Cup will be jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea.

The Korean peninsula was divided into the Soviet-backed North and the South under US protection after Japan ended its 36-year colonial rule in 1945. The two Koreas fought a war from 1950 to 1953.

Kim said peace on the Korean peninsula was "directly linked to peace in Japan."

"Japan's cooperation with South Korea is closely related to South Korea's stability."

Japan and South Korea are seeking to engage Stalinist North Korea in dialogue to establish peace on the peninsula.

The Japanese premier said Tokyo and Seoul must "work hand in hand for regional peace and stability and world prosperity."