Detailed Implementation Plans by Sector for the 'Bold Initiative'
Reciprocal Measures in Economy and Others in Response to North Korea Denuclearization Talks
[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The Ministry of Unification is planning to develop the South-North Joint Economic Development Plan to promote the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's denuclearization roadmap, the ‘Bold Initiative.’ It also plans to support the resumption of private-sector contacts with North Korea through international organizations and to promote social and cultural exchanges in areas such as history, religion, and sports.
On the 27th, the Ministry of Unification announced the ‘2023 Ministry of Unification Major Work Promotion Plan’ at the Blue House State Guest House, which includes these details.
The Ministry explained that it will strengthen a comprehensive approach focused on restraint, renunciation, and dialogue this year in relation to the ‘Bold Initiative’ announced by President Yoon in his inauguration speech on May 10 last year.
First, it stated that it will firmly deter North Korea’s provocations based on a strong South Korea-US alliance. It also established the principle of responding overwhelmingly and immediately in case of provocations. While rallying the international community’s will for North Korea’s denuclearization, it plans to steadily pursue efforts for dialogue.
If North Korea responds positively to denuclearization negotiations, detailed reciprocal measures in political, military, and economic fields will be prepared, and the ‘South-North Joint Economic Development Plan’ will be further developed for mid- to long-term mutually beneficial inter-Korean economic cooperation.
To break the deadlock in inter-Korean relations, contacts with North Korea will be sought through private organizations and international organizations. The plan is to form a ‘South-North Agreement Implementation Inspection Committee’ and establish a structure to ensure the implementation of agreements reached between South and North Korea by securing support for implementation from international organizations such as the UN.
It plans to cooperate with the National Assembly for the launch of the ‘North Korean Human Rights Foundation.’ Until its launch, the Ministry of Unification will effectively perform the foundation’s role to ensure the purpose of the North Korean Human Rights Act is realized.
Additionally, as a mid- to long-term plan for peace on the Korean Peninsula and national prosperity, it will create the ‘New Unification Future Initiative’ (tentative name) to prepare a mid- to long-term plan for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. Centered on this organization, the Ministry of Unification will gather public opinion and aims to present a vision and direction for peaceful unification within this year.
Minister of Unification Kwon Young-se said, “Although many difficulties are expected in inter-Korean relations again this year following last year, the Ministry of Unification is determined to prepare a turning point to move unwaveringly with the people toward a ‘denuclearized, peaceful, and prosperous Korean Peninsula.’”
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