Im Jong-seok, Former Chief of Staff, "Hanoi North Korea-US Summit Regrettable for a Long Time"

On the 3rd Anniversary of the April 27 Panmunjom Summit, Facebook Message... "Let's Create a New Turning Point for Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Centered on Local Governments"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] "The Hanoi North Korea-U.S. Summit remains a lingering regret. A day will come when the door to peace and cooperation opens again."

Former Blue House Chief of Staff Lim Jong-seok said this in a post on Facebook on the 26th, ahead of the 3rd anniversary of the April 27 Panmunjom Summit.

Lim said, "It is April 27, the day marking the 3rd anniversary of the Panmunjom Summit," and evaluated, "The sincere dialogue between the two leaders built a bridge of trust and developed into the September 19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration."

Lim also shared an update, stating that after leaving the Blue House, he is serving as the Chairman of the Nambuk Economic and Cultural Cooperation Foundation.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Lim explained, "As a top priority project, we are actively pursuing business agreements with basic local governments nationwide. In the past, inter-Korean exchanges were conducted at the central government and private levels. Despite local governments having representativeness and a stable foundation, they have been excluded."

Lim emphasized, "I believe that a new turning point for inter-Korean cooperation can be established centered on local governments. Related legislation has already been amended in the National Assembly," adding, "If the role of local governments is enhanced, cooperation will be more stable and sustainable compared to the central government."

Lim argued, "Exchanges that suddenly stop due to domestic and international political and diplomatic fluctuations cannot lead to trust. Local governments must create a cooperative system where they plan, decide, and take responsibility on their own."

Lim said, "If an independent cooperative structure free from diplomatic situations and central government interference is established, a new path will surely open. Local governments have such authority and capability."

Lim added, "It is time for the central government, local governments, and the private sector to divide roles, respect each other, and demonstrate wisdom in cooperation."

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