At 3:30 pm on January 17, 2002, the International Exchange Agreement between China Profiles of the All-China Youth Federation and the Council of Youth Organization of Pusan of South Korea was signed. Later, journalists from both China and South Korea interviewed Lee Sangyul, Chairman of the Council of Youth Organization of Pusan.

　　Mr Lee answers the questions of reports

　　Q: As the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea approached, the youth delegation you head paid a visit to Beijing. Tell us about your experience.

　　A: China and South Korea enjoy a wealth of exchanges, be they political, economic, or cultural. However, the exchanges between the youth of the two countries fails to match with the good situation between our two countries. For instance, there are about 500 youth organizations that come to China each year via travel services from Pusan, but they simply gain a superficial understanding through their cursory visit. So we pay much importance to forging the friendly interactive liaison between the youth of the two countries.

　　On Jan 15, Pusan International Middle & High School signed the Agreement of Establishing the Sister-School relationship with the Beijing 21st Century School. They will exchange information, theses, and reports via the Internet, carry out mutual visits and a variety of educational and cultural exchange programs. This summer, 80 or 90 Chinese teachers and students are expected to visit Pusan and they will stay with local residents. We also expect the visit of the Children's Arts Troupe of China. As a youth organization, composed of 26 associations, the Council of Youth Organization of Pusan will work together with China Profiles to advance the exchanges of the youth between our two countries.

　　Q: We notice that five journalist came together with the delegation.

　　A: Yes. Our visit is the very beginning of the anniversary celebrations. Different with China, instead of being funded by the government budget, the educational department serves the youth through fundraising in South Korea. It is encouragingif the government throws itselfsintosthe endeavor. Now that we have initiated the exchange program between the youth of our two countries, it will make the exchanges between us more active and frequent.

　　Q: Pusan will host the 14th Asian Games as well as the World Cup Football Match. Would you like to talk about the participation of the youth?

　　A: In the Republic of Korea, the youth have played a key role in every prime sports game since the Seoul Olympics in 1988. As we approach the start of the 14th Asian Games, youth volunteers will participate in each promotional activity. For instance, our delegation of 82 handed out the pamphlets of the 14th Asian Games topeople shopping at Wangfujing on Jan. 18.

　　Q: As a businessman and social activist, what's your opinion about the cultural exchange between the youth of China and Korea?

　　A: I have a special regard and personal friendship for China and Chinese people.I have been to Beijing many many times, and for my family and me, Beijing has been like an old and nostalgic home. My corporation has been in business with Chinese companies for more than 18 years. I never experienced anything other than the utmost courtesy and genuine friendship from the Chinese people. But it is a pity that youth exchanges between our two countries have fallen behind. As a businessman, I think it is beneficial to invest in youth exchanges. Meanwhile, as the Chairman of the Youth Organization of Pusan, I am confident that the agreement reached by the Youth Organization of Pusan and the Journal of China Profiles will pave the way for further exchange programs. The youth exchanges between our two countries will result in a bright future contributed by the mutual understanding between the youth of two

countries. From now on, under the help of the Journal of ChinaProfiles, we will send 2,000 students and teachers to visit China with the purpose of learning and visiting each year. If possible, visitors will live in the residents' houses respectively insgroupsto advance the friendship and understanding of the youth between our two countries.