The leaders of South Korea and Japan have pledged further efforts to improve ties between the two nations at a meeting of a private friendship body.
The Korea-Japan Cooperation Committee held its 38th joint conference in Seoul Thursday.
Former government officials, scholars and business leaders discussed ways to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, security, culture and science, and to better prepare for the 2002 World Cup finals.
In a speech delivered by the Foreign Minister on behalf of him, President Kim Dae-jung praised the two rounds of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi last month and vowed efforts to follow through on their agreements.
Koizumi also sent a message that was read by Japanese ambassador to Seoul, Terusuke Terada. He said Japan and Korea should cooperate to successfully host next year's World Cup games.