H.E. Dr. Han Seung Soo, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea visited GRIPS on 22nd May, 2009, to meet with President Hatta, former President and current Special Councilor Yoshimura and other professors. Prime Minister Han has pursued his research at GRIPS for two years from July, 2004 to June, 2006 as a senior fellow.

President Hatta welcomed Prime Minister Han and expressed his gratitude for visiting GRIPS despite His Excellency’s tight schedule. President Hatta also mentioned his wish to accept more students from the Republic of Korea.

Prime Minister Han responded that he hopes to energize academic exchanges, especially among young researchers of the Republic of Korea and Japan. At times reminiscing about his days at GRIPS as a senior fellow, he exchanged opinions on the future prospects of Japan-Korea exchanges.