Lee In-young: "There is room for dialogue and cooperation with the North... We will create a momentum for a turnaround in inter-Korean relations in the first half of the year"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Minister of Unification Lee In-young pointed out the practical difficulties, saying that "there is still room for dialogue and cooperation with North Korea," but "it is not easy to create favorable conditions in the short term." He also expressed his determination to create a turning point in inter-Korean relations in the first half of this year.

Minister Lee said in a congratulatory speech at the '2022 Beijing Winter Olympics Inter-Korean Joint Cheer Train Operation' seminar held at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul on the afternoon of the 29th, "From the first half of this year, a roadmap for peace should begin along with inter-Korean dialogue."

He said, "North Korea recently conducted a test launch of short-range missiles, causing concerns for our government and the international community. Although there are many concerns surrounding this situation, there is still room for dialogue and cooperation depending on what we do."

He continued, "The Ministry of Unification will calmly monitor the current situation and do its best to create momentum for a turnaround in inter-Korean relations in the first half of this year," adding, "I believe that inter-Korean humanitarian cooperation can be a good 'first button' for building trust on the Korean Peninsula and resuming dialogue."

Minister Lee said, "The government hopes to start cooperation in the humanitarian field, including joint efforts to combat COVID-19, which both Koreas face, and to expand cooperation to livelihood areas such as fertilizers needed for spring farming, including food. If the international community also shares this sentiment, we will strive to realize larger and broader cooperation, such as non-commercial public infrastructure cooperation including railroads and roads."

However, he added, "Since the time for peace on the Korean Peninsula has been at a standstill, it is not easy to create perfect conditions that satisfy everyone in a short period. If the North responds flexibly, the international community’s moves toward (sanctions relief) could expand further," urging flexible responses from the North.

Minister Lee emphasized, "If we miss the current opportunity, uncertainty in the situation will escalate, and it may become more difficult to create new momentum for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Although the immediate reality is by no means easy, we will continue our efforts with the resolve of 'Deuksi Mutae' (seizing the moment without negligence)."

He said, "As the theme of today’s seminar suggests, if people from the South and the North ride the Gyeongui Line train together and run to Beijing, where the Olympics are held, and cheer together, it will be a very symbolic moment in the history of inter-Korean exchange and cooperation," adding, "It could be an opportunity to send a message to the world that the South and North, as owners of the Korean Peninsula, have the wisdom and will to create peace and prosperity themselves."

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