North's Hardline Moves... Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Strengthening Diplomacy to Reignite South-North-US Dialogue"

National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee Work Report

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] As North Korea continues its tough stance toward the South, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will continue trilateral talks among South Korea, North Korea, and the United States to drive the Korean Peninsula peace process.

On the 16th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a report to the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that it will strengthen active diplomatic efforts to reignite momentum for trilateral talks and manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula stably to create conditions for resuming dialogue.

The Ministry said, "Despite past achievements, North Korea has not responded to dialogue proposals from South Korea and the U.S., as seen in statements by First Vice Director Kim Yo-jong, Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon, and United Front Department Director Jang Kum-chol. However, our government will continue to abide by inter-Korean agreements and strive for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula."

It added, "Through close South Korea-U.S. cooperation, we will actively and proactively seek our role in promoting trilateral talks among South Korea, North Korea, and the U.S. Under the three principles for peace on the Korean Peninsula?no war, mutual security guarantees, and joint prosperity?we will begin by advancing what is feasible within the framework of inter-Korean relations progress and international sanctions against North Korea to create conditions for dialogue."

Diplomatic efforts for strategic coordination between South Korea and the U.S. and progress in denuclearization will also continue. The Ministry explained, "We will continue comprehensive consultations addressing denuclearization, inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. relations, and the peace regime. Through close communication with key countries, we will lead constructive cooperation and continue efforts to secure international support."

In particular, the Ministry plans to sustain diplomatic efforts to realize the vision of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) as an international peace zone, including joint South-North registration of the DMZ as a UNESCO World Heritage site, designation of the Panmunjom-Kaesong Peace and Cooperation Zone, and mine clearance within the DMZ.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it will strive for a fair and reasonable conclusion of the Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing between South Korea and the U.S., which has been vacant for six months. It also plans to contribute to the international community by sharing South Korea’s experiences in areas such as quarantine and the economy during the expanded G7 summit and to promote discussions on transitioning to G11 and G12.

Regarding Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea, the Ministry said it will continue consultations with China to ensure the visit takes place at an appropriate time.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.