Lee In-young "Inter-Korean Permanent Communication Channel Must Be Resumed and Stabilized... Hoping North Korea Will Take the Path of Dialogue"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Minister of Unification Lee In-young emphasized the urgency of resuming the permanent inter-Korean communication channel to open the way for inter-Korean dialogue and urged the North to "step onto the path of dialogue."

At the commemorative speech during the 50th Anniversary Ceremony and Academic Forum on Inter-Korean Dialogue held at Lotte Hotel in Seoul on the 1st, Minister Lee stated, "The most urgent matter is to resume the permanent communication channel between the South and the North and stabilize it so that it never gets cut off again."

Minister Lee said, "Our side is already fully prepared, so if the North responds positively, talks can be held anytime, anywhere, and on any topic," and urged, "We hope the North will also take a more flexible and proactive stance and step onto the path of dialogue."

He emphasized, "Regardless of political, military, or security situations, humanitarian cooperation between the South and the North must continue without interruption," and added, "I hope that the South and North can restart dialogue and take steps toward cooperation in comprehensive humanitarian efforts including separated families, COVID-19 quarantine and medical support, climate change, and livelihood cooperation."

He also said, "Standing before a new path of coexistence beyond hostility, I will not hesitate to make any dedication or decision," and expressed hope that "the second half of this year will be recorded as the 'Year of Peace Restoration' in the history of inter-Korean dialogue."

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