Lee In-young: "The Declaration of the End of the War is a Good Starting Point Even from North Korea's Position, Which Demanded 'Withdrawal of Hostile Policies'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 26th, Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, urged North Korea to respond positively, stating that the declaration of the end of the war is "a good starting point moving toward a meaningful solution even from the North's position, which has insisted on the 'withdrawal of hostile policies toward the North.'"

In his keynote speech at the '2021 DMZ Peace Economy International Forum' held at Sono Calm Delpino in Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province, Minister Lee said, "Through the declaration of the end of the war, trust will be built, and based on that trust, it will lead to a process of practically discussing mutual interests."

He added, "As the South Korea-U.S. consultations on the declaration of the end of the war are entering the final stage, I hope that prompt results can be achieved."

Minister Lee also called for inter-Korean cooperation on infectious diseases, climate crisis, and disaster management, saying, "The COVID-19 pandemic and rapid climate change are creating new 'rules of the game' that require coexistence and mutual prosperity between South and North Korea."

He continued, "Regarding any agenda, including these, we clearly have the willingness to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the North anytime, anywhere, whether face-to-face or via video, without being bound by any format," adding, "I hope that South and North Korea will start dialogue on agendas for coexistence and mutual prosperity and expand cooperation in areas such as forest ecosystem restoration, renewable energy cooperation, and achieving carbon neutrality in the future."