Korea-US North Korea Nuclear Chief Talks Begin... Sung Kim "Expect Positive North Korean Response Soon" (Summary)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Noh Kyu-duk, head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters, met with Sung Kim, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, and stated, "We will strive to resume talks with North Korea as soon as possible through consultation and coordination." Representative Kim also expressed his intention to hold close consultations, saying, "We expect to receive a positive response for dialogue from North Korea soon."

On the morning of the 21st, Head Noh met with Representative Kim at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, and said, "We aim to restore mutually beneficial South-North-U.S. relations."

Referring to North Korean Workers' Party General Secretary Kim Jong-un’s statement at the plenary meeting that "we must be prepared for both dialogue and confrontation," Head Noh emphasized, "We are paying close attention to Pyongyang’s initial reaction to the U.S. North Korea policy."

He continued, "The South Korean government will continue to play the necessary role to resume talks with North Korea promptly through consultation and coordination between South Korea and the U.S.," expressing gratitude to Ambassador Kim, who chose South Korea as his first destination after taking office.

Representative Kim also noted General Secretary Kim’s plenary meeting remarks, saying, "General Secretary Kim mentioned both 'dialogue and confrontation,' and we are prepared for either. As you know, we are waiting for a response from North Korea to meet, and we hope to receive a positive reaction soon."

He added, "Throughout the review process of North Korea policy, we maintained very close contact not only bilaterally but also trilaterally among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, and we will continue close communication going forward. We have a strong joint commitment to pursue the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through diplomacy and dialogue."