eNews from Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Vol. 2, Issue 1
eNews from Sen. Lisa Murkowski - Vol. 2, Issue 1 : :
ASIA TRIP
I traveled to Asia from January 8-15th, visiting Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing. As the Chairman of the Senate Foreign
Relations Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs, this marked my inaugural trip to the region. The purpose of
the trip focused on the six-party talks regarding North Korea's nuclear programs, bilateral relations with the United
States, regional tensions, and energy cooperation.
My first stop was Korea, where I spent the day in the capital city of Seoul. The highlight was a meeting with President
Roh Moo-hyun, where we discussed North Korea, the status of the six-party talks, and how we move forward. That
evening our Ambassador to South Korea, Alexander Vershbow, hosted a reception in honor of my visit. I am pleased
to report that Alaskan salmon was served. During the reception, I took the opportunity to promote Alaskan seafood
products to the business leaders of Korean seafood distributors, visited with Korean buyers of Alaska's coal, and
talked with the President of Korean Airlines about the potential for expanded travel between Seoul and Alaska.
In Japan, I spent two days meeting with government officials in Tokyo. Topics discussed included whaling, missile
defense, and trade between Alaska and Japan. In addition, I was able to meet with Japan's new Foreign Minister Taro
Aso.
In China, I met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and leaders of the National
People's Congress, including the Chairman, Wu Bangguo. During my time in Beijing I became convinced that better
relations between the United States and China will come about through more dialogue between leaders of the two
nations. I also had the opportunity to address the American Chamber of Commerce in Beijing and discuss energy
cooperation between China and the United States. It is an understatement to say the potential for technology sharing
and investment by American companies in this area is tremendous.
http://murkowski.senate.gov/newsletters/021006%20enews.pdf