Lee In-young: "Let’s go by train from Busan to Moscow to Europe through South-North-Russia triangular cooperation"

Meeting with Russian Ambassador to Korea... Request for Support of Inter-Korean Cooperation
Russian Ambassador: "Welcome Inter-Korean Dialogue... Need to Ease Sanctions on North Korea"

Minister of Unification Lee In-young is greeting with a fist bump Andrey Borisovich Kulik, the Russian Ambassador to Korea, at the Minister's office in the Government Seoul Office Building on the morning of the 21st.

Minister of Unification Lee In-young met with Andrey Kulik, the Russian Ambassador to Korea, on the 21st to emphasize the importance of trilateral cooperation among South Korea, North Korea, and Russia, and to request Russia's support for inter-Korean cooperation.

During the meeting at the minister's office in the Government Seoul Office Building in Jongno-gu on the morning of the same day, Minister Lee stated, "Trilateral cooperation among South Korea, North Korea, and Russia is an important task that can contribute to peace and shared prosperity in the Northeastern Siberia region and the Eurasian continent."

Minister Lee said, "The government aims to further strengthen Eurasian cooperation through the New Northern Policy," adding, "Projects such as railroads, gas, and tourism special zones are directly linked to inter-Korean cooperation."

He declared efforts to advance inter-Korean relations and requested Russia's support. He said, "To implement the inter-Korean joint declarations, we plan to make progress starting with small approaches in humanitarian and exchange cooperation areas that can be immediately undertaken by both Koreas."

He continued, "Consistent efforts for these small approaches will lead to a time of trust and confidence," and added, "In this process, cooperation from the international community, especially Russia, is essential."

He also expressed hope for the day when trains departing from Busan will pass through Primorsky Krai and Moscow and continue to Europe, emphasizing again that South Korea and Russia, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, must cooperate for peace in Northeast Asia.

Ambassador Kulik responded, "I believe that inter-Korean exchanges can play a very important role in resolving comprehensive issues on the Korean Peninsula."

He also emphasized that easing sanctions on North Korea is necessary to revitalize inter-Korean exchanges.

He said, "Russia warmly welcomes progress in inter-Korean dialogue and consistently asserts that sanctions on North Korea must be eased for dialogue between the two Koreas to take place."