Song Young-gil: "We Will Find a Breakthrough in the Deadlock of North Korea-US and Inter-Korean Relations"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 19th as he embarked on a visit to the United States, "I will share opinions between South Korea and the U.S. to find a breakthrough in the deadlocked North Korea-U.S. and inter-Korean relations."

Before departing for the U.S. that morning at Incheon Airport, Song told reporters, "I will engage in extensive discussions through meetings with U.S. congressional leaders, think tank officials, and journalists," expressing his intentions.

Regarding President Moon Jae-in's departure to attend the United Nations General Assembly in the U.S., he explained, "Thirty years ago, both North and South Korea joined the UN simultaneously, and South Korea established diplomatic relations with China and Russia, but North Korea has yet to establish diplomatic ties with the U.S. and Japan. Cross-recognition must occur for the Korean Peninsula to return to a legally stable system."

Song plans to stay in Washington DC for four nights and six days, meeting with U.S. foreign and security policy officials, including Kurt Campbell, White House National Security Council (NSC) Indo-Pacific Coordinator. He will also meet key congressional figures such as Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez.

This overseas visit is Song's first since assuming party leadership in May, accompanied by Chief Secretary Kim Young-ho, spokesperson Lee Yong-bin, and lawmaker Kim Byung-joo.