Seoul Metropolitan Council Democratic Party Hosts Deoksugung Forum Wednesday Morning with Minister of Unification Lee In-young
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] The Democratic Party floor leader group of the Seoul Metropolitan Council (representative assembly members Cho Sang-ho, Seodaemun 4) invited Minister of Unification Lee In-young on the morning of the 30th at 8 a.m. to hold the regular policy forum 'Wednesday Morning. Deoksugung Forum' at the Seoul Metropolitan Council Members' Hall.
The forum was conducted under the chairmanship of Senior Deputy Representative Lee Sang-hoon, where participants listened to Minister Lee In-young's keynote lecture and engaged in discussions with attending council members.
Minister Lee In-young, as the speaker, gave a lecture titled 'Current Status and Future Directions of Inter-Korean Relations,' leading to in-depth discussions on the present and future of inter-Korean relations, peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula, and the role of local governments.
In his keynote speech, Minister Lee stated, “Our government maintains a consistent stance toward North Korea based on the Korean Peninsula peace process,” and presented the vision that “inter-Korean relations should advance toward an economic community, a peace community, and a life safety community.”
He added the necessity of a long-term practical strategy for peace on the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing, “Starting with comprehensive humanitarian cooperation including public health such as COVID-19 healthcare, food, and fertilizer livelihood cooperation, economic cooperation such as non-commercial public infrastructure construction should follow depending on progress in denuclearization.”
Meanwhile, he also suggested the role of local governments for peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Lee said, “The role of local governments, especially Seoul as the capital, requires a leading role,” and requested, “Local councils should present diverse and innovative visions that can lead to meaningful development cooperation with North Korea.”
He explained that apart from the central government's inter-Korean policy, if local governments pursue continuous cooperation with a long-term perspective, they can play a meaningful role in peace and unification on the Korean Peninsula.
About 40 Seoul Metropolitan Council members, including Democratic Party representative assembly member Cho Sang-ho, attended the forum. The council members unanimously stated, “Central government measures such as legal amendments are necessary so that local governments can take the lead in exchange and cooperation with North Korea.”
Representative assembly member Cho Sang-ho said, “Currently, inter-Korean relations are in a deadlock, and without guaranteed meaningful progress, it is difficult to achieve innovative development on the Korean Peninsula,” adding, “I will take an interest and make efforts for peace, coexistence, reconciliation, and ultimately unification of the Korean Peninsula, carrying the wishes of 10 million Seoul citizens.”
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