Lee In-young "Pursuing Restoration of Inter-Korean Relations, Reestablishing Communication Channels"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, stated on the 22nd regarding the promotion of inter-Korean dialogue, "We are preparing to restore inter-Korean relations and will make every effort to restore communication channels and prepare for dialogue between authorities."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Minister Lee said at the Ministry of Unification's work report during the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session held that morning, "We are ready to discuss any agenda with North Korea anytime, regardless of formality."

He emphasized, "We will promote comprehensive humanitarian cooperation including COVID-19 quarantine and health care cooperation, as well as cooperation on livelihood issues such as food and fertilizer," and added, "Efforts to resolve the issue of separated families, including Korean-American separated families, will also continue."

Regarding the remarks of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, at the Workers' Party Central Committee plenary meeting held from the 15th to the 18th, Minister Lee evaluated, "We note that North Korea mentioned dialogue and expressed a position focused on stable management of the situation on the Korean Peninsula."

In this regard, the Ministry of Unification analyzed in a report on foreign policy, "They sent more restrained and flexible messages than before," and "Unlike the party congress in January or the statements in March and May, there were no criticisms or threatening language, and there was no mention related to the inter-Korean sector."

It also predicted, "Since the plenary meeting presented the direction of domestic and foreign policy for the second half of the year, additional measures in livelihood stabilization and foreign affairs are expected to follow."

Furthermore, it added, "We will strive to ensure that the practical approach centered on diplomacy and dialogue between South Korea and the United States and North Korea's position on stable situation management lead to the resumption of dialogue."

Additionally, the Ministry of Unification announced that as part of establishing a domestic foundation for restoring inter-Korean relations and restarting the Korean Peninsula peace process, it will pursue the National Assembly's ratification consent of the Panmunjom Declaration at an appropriate time.