Lavrov: "Expecting Constructive Measures from the US in Inter-Korean Dialogue"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Russia expressed support for inter-Korean dialogue as Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued a statement mentioning the possibility of an inter-Korean summit.

On the 25th (local time), according to local media, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, stated at a press conference, "We have always supported direct dialogue between the North and South."

He added, "However, the previous U.S. administration, which tried to control all processes, was not always in favor of (direct dialogue between the North and South)."

He further said, "In the new situation, we expect the Joe Biden administration to prepare more constructive measures to encourage normal contact between the North and South."

Earlier, Deputy Director Kim, in a statement issued on the 25th Korean time regarding the declaration of the end of the war proposed by President Moon Jae-in at the 76th UN General Assembly, said that if mutual respect between the North and South is maintained, discussions could be held on an inter-Korean summit, reestablishment of the inter-Korean joint liaison office, and a declaration to end the war.

The U.S. State Department also expressed its position on Deputy Director Kim's statement, saying, "The United States supports inter-Korean dialogue, engagement, and cooperation."