Ministry of Unification "Hoping for the Day When COVID Subsides and Inter-Korean Cooperation Can Begin Soon"

by Lim Chulyoung

Published 12 Oct.2020 13:05(KST)

Updated 10 Mar.2023 14:35(KST)

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Refrain from Mentioning New Weapons Unveiled by North Korea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Unification expressed hope that cooperation between South and North Korea will be realized as soon as possible in relation to North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's speech at the military parade commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party on the 10th.

On the 12th, Yeo Sang-gi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, responded at the regular briefing regarding Kim's parade speech, saying, "We hope that the COVID-19 situation will calm down quickly and that the day will come soon when South and North Korea join hands and cooperate."

Earlier, the Ministry of Unification noted Kim's remarks, stating, "We pay attention to the fact that he sent consolation to our people and hinted at the possibility of improving inter-Korean relations," and added, "We hope that such speech content will lead to peace on the Korean Peninsula and the development of inter-Korean relations."

However, the Ministry of Unification maintains the position that it will not make any new proposals beyond the health cooperation suggested by the government. Spokesperson Yeo said, "It is not at a stage where we can immediately make or pursue any specific proposals," and added, "We will prepare to promote them when the environment is conducive in the future."

He also added, "The government is always ready to cooperate with North Korea in humanitarian and health sectors and has publicly stated this several times."

Mentions of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) revealed by North Korea during this parade were restrained. Spokesperson Yeo said, "Our military authorities have expressed concerns, and the Ministry of Unification has nothing special to comment on this."