[2020 National Assembly Audit] Ministry of Foreign Affairs "Strengthening Diplomatic Efforts to Reignite Momentum for South-North-US Dialogue"

Continued Coordination Between South Korea and the U.S. in Preparation for Resuming Denuclearization Talks
Ongoing International Cooperation on Korean Peninsula Peace Declaration and More

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is attending the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held at the National Assembly on the 7th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to strengthen diplomatic efforts to reignite the dialogue momentum among South Korea, North Korea, and the United States, which has been stuck in a long-term deadlock. It also intends to continue coordination between South Korea and the U.S. in preparation for the resumption of denuclearization negotiations, while maintaining cooperation with the international community to realize a Korea Peninsula end-of-war declaration and other goals.

On the 7th, ahead of the 2020 National Assembly audit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a 'Major Policy Implementation Status' report stating that it will seek an active and proactive role in promoting dialogue through close South Korea-U.S. cooperation to reignite the South Korea-North Korea-U.S. dialogue momentum. Furthermore, based on three principles for the peaceful resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue ? △No War △Mutual Security Guarantees △Joint Prosperity ? it plans to create conditions for resuming dialogue with North Korea.

The Ministry explained, "We will continue comprehensive consultations covering denuclearization, inter-Korean and North Korea-U.S. relations, and the peace regime," adding, "We will sustain diplomatic efforts to implement agreements among the South Korea-North Korea-U.S. leaders on establishing a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, and continue cooperation with the international community to realize the Korea Peninsula end-of-war declaration, COVID-19 related health and quarantine cooperation, and the internationalization of the DMZ as a peace zone."

It also announced plans to deepen and develop the comprehensive strategic alliance between South Korea and the U.S. and maintain high-level communication to restore South Korea-China relations. Regarding the South Korea-U.S. alliance, the Ministry stated, "We will continue high-level strategic communication, conclude a fair and reasonable Special Measures Agreement (SMA) on defense cost-sharing, and manage alliance issues such as the return of U.S. military bases." Concerning the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, it added, "We will continue efforts to build networks through outreach to both the Democratic and Republican parties and enhance understanding of our diplomatic and security policies."

Regarding China, the Ministry plans to continue consultations to ensure that President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea takes place early once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and conditions are met, and to maintain high-level exchanges. The Ministry stated, "We will continue consultations with the Chinese side to ensure that President Xi Jinping's visit to South Korea is realized early as soon as the COVID-19 situation stabilizes and conditions are met," adding, "We will promote the expansion and deepening of economic and cultural exchange cooperation, encourage China's constructive role in the Korean Peninsula issue, and foster friendly sentiments between the two countries through public diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges."

The Ministry also announced plans to strengthen communication and consultations with newly appointed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and his cabinet under a two-track approach with Japan, and to resume postponed exchanges with Russia on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Additionally, it unveiled plans to advance the New Southern Policy. The Ministry explained, "We will promote regional cooperation and achievements for overcoming COVID-19 and economic recovery, advance the New Southern Policy, and expand harmonious cooperation with major countries' regional initiatives," adding, "We will continue high-level exchanges with key countries targeted by the New Northern Policy and strengthen strategic practical cooperation with those countries."

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