ニュース 2009/09/19 Ozawa receives a courtesy call from Korean-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League Chair, Korean Ambassador On September 19, DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa received a courtesy call from the Chair of the Korean-Japan Parliamentary Friendship League Lee Sang-Deuk, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Kwon Chul-Hyun at party headquarters. At the start of the meeting, Lee extended his congratulations on the DPJ victory in the general election, and expressed his expectations for the new DPJ administration, stating “I pray that the DPJ administration will succeed, and contribute to the development not only of Japan, but of the world.” After expressing his thanks, Ozawa expressed his intention to work toward the further development of bilateral relations and promotion of friendship between the two nations, stating: “It is merely the first step toward a greater goal of mine, but I am happy that we have succeeded in achieving a change of government, and grateful to the Japanese people who have brought about this change of government. I would like to make every effort to create a relationship with the Republic of Korea that is not just based on formalities, but is a true relationship of trust. I believe that we will definitely be able to resolve the basic issues that exist between our two nations.” Lee responded that ROK President Lee Myung-Bak shared Ozawa’s desire to open a path toward the future. The two sides also discussed the issue of North Korea and the possibility of a visit to the ROK by Prime Minister Hatoyama, and emphasised their intention of reinforcing the activities of the Japan-Korean Parliamentary Friendship League. The meeting was also attended by member of the House of Councillors Toshihiro Kawakami.