Lee In-young "Even if we are a bit short on COVID-19 vaccines, we must share with North Korea"

Minister of Unification: "True sharing is when we share in times of scarcity rather than abundance"
"Hope for dialogue and negotiations over cold noodles at the table"

Minister of Unification Lee In-young is speaking while presiding over the 317th Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Promotion Council held on the 16th at the Ministry of Unification's large conference room in the Government Seoul Office Building.

Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, said on the 18th that regarding North Korea, "Rather than approaching through tension with missiles or nuclear weapons, I would like to recommend a more effective and rational approach by setting cold noodles on the table and engaging flexibly in dialogue and negotiations."

Minister Lee appeared on KBS News 9 that day and stated, "I think there is a higher possibility that North Korea will take a more flexible approach rather than the harsh approach it took during the transition of the U.S. administration."

While expressing concern about the 'North Korea March provocation theory,' Minister Lee emphasized the need to manage the situation through dialogue and proactive messages toward North Korea.

He said, "North Korea might use the pretext of creating military tension," but added, "There are many opportunities in the situation to avoid that and respond flexibly."

Regarding the dispatch of a special envoy to North Korea and proposals for high-level talks, he was cautious, saying, "These are matters of the highest political judgment at the presidential level," but added, "If North Korea responds, I am ready for the best possible dialogue."

He added, "As Minister of Unification, I have already proposed several times to open the door to inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation, and I still have the same sentiment. Any place, any time is fine."

Minister Lee said that since his inauguration in July, there have been no unofficial contacts with North Korea. Instead, he plans to formally propose dialogue to North Korea once the COVID-19 situation eases. He particularly emphasized inter-Korean cooperation and solidarity related to COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, given the severe economic impact of COVID-19 on North Korea.

He said, "If South and North Korea can cooperate on treatments and vaccines, I believe North Korea can create an opportunity to escape somewhat from the economic sacrifices it has endured due to its COVID-19 quarantine system."

He then proposed sharing COVID-19 vaccines between South and North Korea, saying, "I think that sharing when we are somewhat lacking, rather than sharing when we have plenty, is the real sharing."