Kang Kyung-wha: "The US Is Also Aware of the Criticism Toward the Korea-US Working Group"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha responded to criticism that the South Korea-U.S. Working Group is an obstacle to improving inter-Korean relations by saying, "I think the U.S. also shares this concern."

On the 22nd, during a government question session at the National Assembly, Minister Kang made this remark in response to a point raised by Kim Han-jung, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, adding, "I believe this is an expression of frustration due to the lack of progress in inter-Korean cooperation at the level the public desires."

She explained, "The South Korea-U.S. Working Group was established in October 2013 to facilitate smooth and continuous communication between South Korea and the U.S., and we have closely consulted within that framework. The Working Group is a policy consultation mechanism, not a sanctions or exemption mechanism."

Regarding the criticism that humanitarian medical aid such as Tamiflu was blocked by the South Korea-U.S. Working Group, Minister Kang said, "It was not the Tamiflu itself but the means of transportation that became an issue related to North Korea sanctions. We reached a conclusion that, with a more lenient interpretation, it would not be a problem. However, since it took some time, when the proposal was made to the North, they refused to accept it, so the aid was not delivered."

Minister Kang stated, "We will review whether we can improve the operation of the South Korea-U.S. Working Group and coordinate well with the U.S. side to shorten consultation times where possible."

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