Sung Kim "Looking Forward to Consultations to Explore Various Initiatives Including a Declaration of the End of the War"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Sung Kim, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea at the State Department, stated on the 24th that he will cooperate to explore various ideas and initiatives for engagement with North Korea, including the issue of a declaration of the end of the Korean War.

After holding a closed-door meeting with Noh Kyu-duk, Director General for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, Kim told reporters, "We remain ready to meet North Korea unconditionally and have made it clear that the U.S. has no hostile intent toward North Korea."

While hoping for a positive response from North Korea on this matter, Kim expressed concern, saying, "The recent ballistic missile launches from Pyongyang are worrisome and counterproductive to making sustained progress toward peace on the Korean Peninsula."

He added, "The missile launches violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to neighboring countries and the international community," urging, "We call on North Korea to cease such provocations and other destabilizing actions and to engage in dialogue."

Director General Noh explained, "In continuation of consultations held in Washington, today we had serious and in-depth discussions with Representative Kim regarding the proposal for a declaration of the end of the war," adding, "Based on this, the Republic of Korea and the United States have agreed to continue pursuing various engagement measures with North Korea, including humanitarian cooperation and meaningful confidence-building measures."

He further stated, "Representative Kim and I communicate closely every day, regardless of time, place, or method," and "The two countries have agreed to hold additional consultations in the near future while monitoring the implementation of follow-up measures from today’s discussions."

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