Choi Jong-geon Dispels 'Disagreement Rumors' on Korea-US End-of-War Declaration

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Choi Jong-geon, the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, who is in the U.S. for the Korea-U.S.-Japan Deputy Foreign Ministers' Meeting, expressed a positive outlook regarding the promotion of a declaration of the end of the war, saying, "I think there will be good results soon."

On the 14th (local time), at Dulles Airport near Washington D.C., Choi met with reporters and stated, "There is no disagreement between Korea and the U.S. on promoting the declaration of the end of the war, and we are discussing when and how to proceed with the methodology." He added, "The most important thing is that Korea and the U.S. agree without disagreement on the methodology. I think there will be results soon, and then we will propose it to the North."

Earlier, concerns arose that the declaration of the end of the war might be derailed after Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Advisor, officially mentioned 'disagreements.' Choi's remarks appear to dispel those concerns. When asked by reporters whether the coordination of the declaration's wording has made significant progress, Choi said he would review the discussions so far during this visit and added, "The important thing is North Korea's response, and how to induce and lead that is another challenge."

Choi's comments suggest that the Korea-U.S. discussions on the declaration of the end of the war are nearing completion, and it seems they will soon attempt to bring North Korea to the negotiating table based on the coordinated results. However, it is uncertain whether North Korea, which demands the withdrawal of 'hostile policies toward the North' and the removal of 'double standards' as prerequisites for the declaration, will respond positively. Professor Kim Dong-yeop of the University of North Korean Studies said, "The U.S. stance toward North Korea has not changed significantly from 'dialogue without conditions,' and it is doubtful whether North Korea will accept the contents of the declaration agreed upon by Korea and the U.S."

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