Ministry of Unification Marks 5th Anniversary of Kaesong Industrial Complex Suspension, Hopes for Resumption Talks

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] The Ministry of Unification stated on the 9th that it hopes for a prompt discussion on the resumption of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, a symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation, on the 5th anniversary of its suspension.

Lee Jong-joo, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said in a written briefing on the same day, "We deeply regret that five years have passed since the Kaesong Industrial Complex was suspended."

The spokesperson reflected, "The government has made efforts to create conditions for the resumption of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, but there have been difficulties in producing tangible results and some shortcomings."

He continued, "Since the resumption of the Kaesong Industrial Complex was agreed upon by the South and North Korean leaders in the 2018 Pyongyang Joint Declaration, we hope that both Koreas will work together to create conditions for the resumption and that the agreement will be implemented," adding, "We hope the day will come soon when discussions on the resumption of the Kaesong Industrial Complex can take place amid the restoration of inter-Korean dialogue, exchanges, and cooperation."

The Kaesong Industrial Complex has been halted since February 10, 2016, when the Park Geun-hye administration decided to fully suspend operations in response to North Korea's 4th nuclear test and long-range missile launch.

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