Lee Nak-yeon "Let's Cooperate on Quarantine and Health between South and North... Hope the International Community Also Supports"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] On the 21st, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed to North Korea to start cooperation between the South and the North in quarantine and health.

At a press conference with foreign correspondents held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee said, "I hope the day will come as soon as possible when not only Korea but the entire Korean Peninsula becomes a COVID-19 clean zone."

He continued, "The Korean Peninsula must secure permanent peace," adding, "I hope the governments of South and North Korea will come up with wisdom to make that happen. I also hope the international community, including the United States, China, Japan, and Russia, will help."

Regarding international cooperation for COVID-19 response, Lee said, "Now Korea is challenging early and simultaneous treatment of many patients. It is possible if a reliable treatment is mass-produced early," and added, "I hope Korea will contribute to the world in treatment and prevention as well."

He further stated, "In the COVID crisis, Korea will stand with the international community. We will share quarantine experiences and clinical data, and cooperate with the international community for the development of treatments and vaccines," and "We will support the distribution of treatments and vaccines for developing countries. I propose to the international community the establishment of an international fund for that purpose."

When asked by reporters whether he would inherit the current government's North Korea policy if elected president, Lee said, "There may be partial supplements, but I believe it is right to inherit it in a broad framework."

He explained, "Basically, the United States and Europe also do so, and it is natural for governments belonging to the same party to inherit important policies," adding, "To add more, I served as Prime Minister for more than half of the Moon Jae-in administration's term."

He added, "After the Democratic Party government succeeded in regime change following the restoration of direct elections, that is, after the Kim Dae-jung administration, the policy of engagement with North Korea has been consistent," and "I intend to inherit it in a broad framework."

Regarding the 'Moon Hee-sang Plan' proposed by former National Assembly Speaker Moon Hee-sang as a solution to the forced labor issue, Lee said, "Even if a similar plan comes out again, I expect the situation will not change much," and "While South Korea and Japan may agree, it will be very difficult for the National Assembly to make laws and proceed with procedures." The 'Moon Hee-sang Plan' involves establishing a foundation funded voluntarily by Korean and Japanese companies and citizens (1+1+α) to pay compensation to victims.

He added, "The agreement made when I met Prime Minister Abe in Tokyo last October was to proceed with consultations between the diplomatic authorities of the two countries," and "It is realistic and effective to promote consultations between the diplomatic authorities."