Lee In-young: "If Conditions Allow, Cooperation on Railroads and Roads with North Korea through Progress in North America Dialogue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Minister of Unification Lee In-young stated that if conditions are created through North Korea-US talks, he will expand non-commercial infrastructure cooperation such as railroads and roads with North Korea.

On the 21st, in a congratulatory speech at the 'Restarting the Implementation of Inter-Korean Agreements' forum, Minister Lee said, "At this point, we intend to actively promote projects that South and North Korea can practically carry out together immediately."

Minister Lee added, "We will promote comprehensive humanitarian cooperation in areas such as COVID-19 prevention and healthcare, disaster and emergency response, climate and environment, and livelihood cooperation including food and fertilizer," and "We will continue to seek creative exchange plans and ideas such as small-scale trade focusing on non-sanctioned items."

He continued, "If conditions are established through progress in North Korea-US dialogue and denuclearization negotiations, we will expand cooperation to non-commercial public infrastructure such as railroads and roads," and "We will create a phase where inter-Korean agreements can be fully implemented and ensure that the Korean Peninsula peace process proceeds on the right track."

Minister Lee emphasized, "The recent situation on the Korean Peninsula is very fluid, and signs of change are being detected," and "Since the North also showed openness to dialogue through the recent Party plenary meeting last week, I hope they will respond more proactively to restart inter-Korean dialogue."