Stronger Ties with KOREA
Establish a Center of Korean Studies
Shoji Ishikawa
Professor Shoji Ishikawa is the Dean of the Graduate School of Law, Chairman of the Steering Committee for Korean Studies.
The developing relationship between Kyushu University and Korea was further enhanced this summer with the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Korea Foundation. The agreement contains terms for the provision of scholarships, the funding of research projects, and the support of academic exchange programs. It also outlines plans for the creation of a Research Center for Korean Studies here in Kyushu University. The benefits of the agreement were immediately apparent, with a group of fifteen students attending an intensive Korean language course at Ehwa Womans University in August. The participants on this program had an enjoyable and productive experience. Many more such projects are planned for the coming year.
The formal signing of the agreement took place on the 1st of July. Among those present for the ceremony were: President Sugioka of Kyushu University; the President of the Korean Foundation, Dr. Lee Joung-Binn; the Korean Consulate General in Fukuoka, Dr. Seo Hyun-Seop, the Consul General, and Dr. Lee Nam-Kyo, the Consul; Mr. Choi Hyun-Soo and other staff of the Korea Foundation; Vice-President Shibata; Dean Ishikawa from the Graduate School of Law and Chairman of the Steering Committee; and other related faculty.
Commenting on the agreement, President Sugioka spoke of his pride at the fact that the Korea Foundation had specifically chosen to enter into such an agreement with Kyushu University. He also spoke of his determination to ensure that the agreement is a success and restated his own personal commitment to developing a greater degree of understanding of Korea in Japan.
In return, President Lee emphasized the importance to the Korea Foundation of projects which enhance relations with Japan, and expressed his high hopes for the future.
This agreement marks the opening of a new and important chapter in the on-going relationship between Kyushu University and the people of Korea. This process was given fresh impetus last year by the award of an honorary doctorate to the Prime Minister of Korea, Dr. Kim Jong-Pil. The success of Prime Minister Kim's visit to Fukuoka and his own personal involvement have contributed enormously. Everyone connected with both Kyushu University and the Korea Foundation sincerely believes that the various projects facilitated by this agreement can contribute to the formation of stronger ties between the two countries.
- PHOTO
- Signing of a cooperation agreement :
President of the Korea Foundation Dr. Lee(left),
President of Kyushu Univ. Dr. Sugioka (right)
- The agreement between the Korea Foundation and Kyushu University is enhancing friendship and academic exchanges between Korea and Japan.
- " It is your theme, young people, to establish a good relationship between Korea and Japan. "
Korean Prime Minister Kim Jong-Pil gave lecture in Japanese at Kyudai, November1998.
