President Kim's Last Day in Germany

President Kim Dae-jung held a summit meeting with Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder at midday (8 p.m.Korean time) on March 10, his last day in Germany. He then met Korean residents at 3:30 before boarding a special plane for Korea at 5:30 p.m.
Chancellor Schroeder said he welcomed the visit of President Kim, a fighter for democracy, and President Kim congratulated Schroeder on the transfer of the German federal government and parliament to Berlin. Chancellor Schroeder promised that he would consult South Korea when Germany improves ties with North Korea.
In a press conference immediately after the talks, President Kim relayed that Prime Minister Schroeder had evaluated South Korea's engagement policy toward North Korea as a realistic alternative and promised to actively support South Korea's efforts for reunification.
Kim attended a luncheon hosted by Schroeder, and then the two heads of state observed a signing ceremony for agreements forged on social security and the avoidance of double taxation between Korean Foreign Minister Lee Joung-binn and German Vice Foreign Minister Freuger.
President Kim started off the day with a breakfast meeting with former president Richard von Weizsacher at Berlin Intercontinental Hotel. President Kim is an old friend of Mr. von Weizsacher, and during breakfast he elucidated his recent Berlin speech on North Korea.
Weizsacher played a central role in 1980 as vice chancellor when the German Federal Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to protect Kim Dae-jung's freedom and life.
Weizsacher wrote the introduction to the German edition of President Kim's autobiography, entitled "My Life, My Way", which was published in Frankfurt last month.

by Kim Jin-kook