Ministry of Unification Has No Comment on North Korea's Statement Rejecting US Talks... US "Hopes for Positive Response"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Unification did not issue any special statement regarding the remarks made by North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon on the 24th, which blocked the possibility of dialogue with the United States.

An official from the Ministry of Unification said regarding the government’s position on Foreign Minister Ri’s remarks the previous day, “Foreign Minister Ri’s remarks appear to reaffirm the position expressed by Deputy Department Director Kim Yo-jong in her statement on the 22nd,” and added, “We do not have any particular comments on these remarks.”

The official stated, “The government’s position that the best way to manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula peacefully and stably is through dialogue and cooperation remains unchanged,” and “The government will continue to make every effort to resume dialogue between South and North Korea, as well as between North Korea and the United States.” This reaffirmed the existing stance of continuing efforts to resume talks.

North Korea has recently issued statements under the names of high-ranking officials rejecting the possibility of dialogue with the United States one after another.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, Deputy Department Director Kim Yo-jong refuted expectations for the resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks as “misplaced hopes,” and the day before, Foreign Minister Ri stated, “We are not considering any contact or possibility with the meaningless United States that wastes precious time.”

In response, the U.S. State Department reaffirmed its existing position, expressing “hope for a positive response from North Korea.” Despite North Korea’s repeated refusals to engage in dialogue, the U.S. administration is observed to be keeping diplomatic channels open and seeking to resume talks.