Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Promote Resumption of North Korea-US Talks Through Summit with US Biden Administration

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to coordinate strategies for the resumption of North Korea-U.S. talks by promptly promoting high-level exchanges, including a summit, with the newly launched Joe Biden administration in the United States.

Regarding China, discussions will continue on President Xi Jinping's visit to Korea, which was not realized last year due to the COVID-19 situation. Dialogue will also be maintained with Japan to resolve conflicts over historical issues.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha reported the 2021 major work plan containing these details to President Moon Jae-in on the afternoon of the 21st.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to make every effort this year to achieve concrete results in the Korean Peninsula peace process. The goal is to discuss ways to promptly resume North Korea-U.S. talks with the Biden administration and lay the foundation for entering a substantive denuclearization process.

Accordingly, as soon as the Biden administration completes its diplomatic and security appointments, high-level exchanges including a summit will be promoted as early as possible.

A senior official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "We expect rapid high-level exchanges as soon as the U.S. congressional appointment process is completed," adding, "The first step will be exchanges between foreign ministers, followed by high-level exchanges and then a summit between the two sides."

He continued, "The most important point to watch is the appointment of a special representative for North Korea, and we hope that a significant figure will be appointed within the U.S. system," adding, "Noh Kyu-duk, head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Negotiation Headquarters, is ready to communicate as soon as the U.S. counterpart is appointed."

Regarding nominee Tony Blinken's statement on reviewing North Korea policy, the official explained, "It is understood as a review of the previous administration's policy. It is too early to make assumptions, but during the high-level exchanges, we will confirm mutual points and achieve seamless cooperation."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to develop the Korea-U.S. alliance into a mutually beneficial and responsible alliance by reasonably resolving issues such as defense cost-sharing and strengthening cooperation in areas including COVID-19, climate change, non-proliferation, energy, and development cooperation.

With China, high-level exchanges including President Xi Jinping's visit will be promoted to solidify the foundation for future-oriented development of Korea-China relations.

From this year through next year, the period will be designated as the Year of Korea-China Cultural Exchange to fully restore cultural exchanges between the two countries. This year, the Korea-China Future Development Committee will be launched to draw a 30-year blueprint for Korea-China relations.

With Japan, a two-track approach will be maintained to manage historical issues and practical cooperation, striving for stable management and future-oriented development of Korea-Japan relations.

Government-level consultations will continue to resolve conflict issues such as the comfort women and forced labor compensation rulings, and efforts will be made to improve Korea-Japan relations during events such as the Tokyo Olympics and the Korea-China-Japan summit this year.

The Korea-China-Japan summit and the Northeast Asia quarantine and health cooperation body will be utilized to promote regional multilateral dialogue and cooperation discussions.

A senior official said, "The most important variable regarding President Xi's visit is COVID-19," adding, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains the position to continuously promote the visit, and there is no disagreement with the Chinese side. Practical discussions are planned for early this year."

Regarding Korea-Japan relations, he said, "This year is different from last year as new ambassadors will be appointed in both countries," adding, "Those with affection and capability for Korea-Japan relations will play a more important role than ever. We will warmly welcome the new Japanese ambassador to Korea as soon as he arrives."

With Russia, high-level exchanges including President Vladimir Putin's visit will be promoted, and efforts will be accelerated to implement the '9 Bridges' cooperation projects in nine key areas such as energy, railroads, and shipbuilding between the two countries.

The international community will continue solidarity to overcome COVID-19, and a global new security forum will be held around October to lead international cooperation on new security issues such as diseases, disasters, environment, and cyber.

Marking the 30th anniversary of UN membership, Korea will pursue a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, and in May, the P4G Summit for Green Growth and Global Goals 2030 will be held to attempt a leap toward becoming an advanced country in climate response.

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