Cheong "Kim Jong-un's First Mention of Armistice Declaration Holds Significant Meaning"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Blue House evaluated that North Korean Workers' Party General Secretary Kim Jong-un's first mention of the ceasefire declaration proposed by President Moon Jae-in at the United Nations is "not insignificant" and stated that it will seek room for negotiations with North Korea, including draft negotiations between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the ceasefire declaration.

A Blue House official met with reporters on the 3rd (local time) in Budapest, Hungary, the last stop of President Moon's European tour, and in response to a reporter's question about "North Korea's willingness for a ceasefire declaration as a party concerned," said, "North Korea has expressed its position on the ceasefire declaration several times. Among them, this is the first time that General Secretary Kim has publicly mentioned the ceasefire declaration," adding this.

General Secretary Kim mentioned the ceasefire declaration in a policy speech at the Supreme People's Assembly held on September 29.

The Blue House official said, "We consider it meaningful that the North Korean leadership has publicly expressed interest in the ceasefire declaration," and added, "Based on continued consultations on the draft and negotiation strategies between South Korea and the U.S. regarding the ceasefire declaration, we intend to find room for negotiations with North Korea."

Regarding criticism that President Moon's policy of phasing out nuclear power contradicts his promise to build nuclear power plants for developing countries, the official emphasized, "Our position is that nuclear power will continue to play a role until carbon neutrality by 2050," and "However, we do not intend to construct new nuclear power plants, and we plan to shut down nuclear plants that have reached the end of their design life."

The Blue House official stated, "For a considerable period, electricity generation through nuclear power will actually continue, and the technology and know-how we have developed are highly regarded worldwide," adding, "Countries like Poland and the Czech Republic actually want nuclear power plants, and since we have such technology and experience, we think we can find mutually beneficial cooperation in these areas."

Regarding the cancellation of the South Korea-Japan summit at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow, UK, the official explained, "Prime Minister Kishida's stay was very short, and since COP26 was a large-scale event attended by heads of state from over 100 countries, the schedules of the South Korean and Japanese leaders did not overlap," adding, "Our position remains unchanged to work together for the future-oriented development of South Korea-Japan relations, and we are open to dialogue, including a summit."

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