Cooperation Projects Including North Korea Individual Tourism, First Korea-US Working-Level Talks...Request for US Cooperation

Broad Discussions on Inter-Korean Cooperation Projects and North Korea-US Dialogue
Deputy Representative Alex Wong to Meet Officials from Blue House and Ministry of Unification for Consultations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Lee Dong-ryeol, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Peace Diplomacy Planning Division, held director-level consultations with Alex Wong, U.S. Department of State Deputy Special Representative for North Korea, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Seoul, broadly discussing inter-Korean cooperation projects and issues related to sanctions on North Korea.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 10th, Lee and Deputy Representative Wong held director-level consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building that morning. It is reported that a wide range of issues were discussed, including Korean Peninsula affairs such as inter-Korean cooperation projects, North Korea denuclearization, and North Korea-U.S. dialogue.

The Korean side explained matters such as North Korea individual tourism, demilitarized zone (DMZ) peace zone establishment, and inter-Korean railway and road connections, which were mentioned by President Moon Jae-in in his New Year's address, and requested cooperation from the U.S. side.

Regarding North Korea individual tourism, which attracted attention after President Moon's New Year's address, the humanitarian purposes such as separated families reunions were emphasized. The U.S. side reportedly showed a generally understanding response. There were no specific discussions on sanctions-related issues concerning North Korea individual tourism.

The Korea-U.S. consultations held that day were the first director-level meeting since last month when Lee Do-hoon, head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters, and Steve Biegun, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Special Representative for North Korea, held consultations in Washington D.C. This raised expectations that more practical discussions could be held with the U.S. side regarding inter-Korean cooperation projects promoted by the Korean government.

Deputy Representative Wong is scheduled to meet with Lee Do-hoon on the 11th and hold additional meetings with Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, as well as sequential meetings with officials from the Blue House and Ministry of Unification. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained about this visit, "This is the first working-level meeting held after the U.S. side closely examined the Korean government's plans," adding, "Since Representative Biegun has expressed understanding of the purpose of inter-Korean cooperation projects, a friendly atmosphere is expected."

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