1. Academic seminars on inter-Korean relations and unification to be held

 

Local governments, research institutes and civic organizations are scheduled to hold various academic events on inter-Korean relations and unification this week. Through such occasions, the Ministry will have the opportunity to communicate with policy customers and experts from all walks of life.

 

The Korea Institute for National Unification, Korea National Diplomatic Academy, and Institute for National Security Strategy will be co-hosting an academic seminar commemorating 30 years since the effectuation of the Inter-Korean Basic Agreement today at 1:30 P.M. The Basic Agreement was signed in December 1991, and effectuated in February of 1992. The seminar will look back at the meaning of the agreement and discuss future implementation directions. Minister Lee In-young will attend the event and deliver congratulatory remarks.

 

The 2022 Pyeongchang Peace Forum, co-hosted by Gangwon Province, Pyeongchang country and KOICA, and sponsored by the Ministries of Unification and Foreign Affairs will be held from February 22 to 24. Starting with Chairman Jim Rogers’ keynote speech on peace and economic development on the Korean Peninsula, the forum will discuss a wide range of inter-Korean cooperation ideas including sports, tourism, and those concerning the environment. Minister Lee will attend the opening ceremony and deliver congratulatory remarks.

 

On February 24, the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy will hold an international seminar on building peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. Experts from home and abroad including former U.S. special representative for North Korea Policy Joseph Yun will review the effects sanctions against North Korea have on North Korea’s economy and humanitarian cooperation, while also looking into future fields of inter-Korean cooperation such as climate change. Minister Lee will attend the seminar and deliver congratulatory remarks.

 

Other scheduled events include an international conference on inter-Korean academic exchange held by the International Society for Korean Studies, as well as a meeting of the Korean Council for Reconciliation and Cooperation.

 

2. Q&A

 

Q. With the Beijing Olympics having come to a close, the possibility of North Korea resuming weapons tests including missile launches is being raised. What is the Ministry’s take on this outlook?

 

A. The Ministry, while keeping a watch on various observations and prospects regarding the North’s future activities, will prepare for all possibilities by closely monitoring related developments without making assumptions on what the North’s next moves may be.

 

In response to North Korea’s series of missile launches in January, the Ministry urged the North to suspend actions that undermine peace and bring about instability on the Korean Peninsula, to maintain its moratorium promised to the international community, and to respond to our calls for dialogue and cooperation.

 

The Ministry once again urges the North to choose a path of dialogue and cooperation for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. It will do its best to manage the situation on the peninsula in a peaceful manner.