Deep concerns about North Korea-Russia arms deal, calls on the two countries to abide by international standards

Minister Kim Yung Ho attends a press conference (September 14)

On September 14, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho held his first press conference as the Minister of Unification at a conference hall in the Office of Inter-Korean Relations.

Minister Kim provided an overview of various current affairs, including the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue, the promotion of North Korean human rights, and preparations for unification.

Firstly, the minister expressed deep concerns regarding the North Korea-Russia military cooperation and arms deal discussions brought up during the North Korea-Russia summit.

He urged “Russia and North Korea to cease illegal and reckless acts that deepen their own isolation and regression, and abide by international norms, including the UN Security Council resolutions.”.

Regarding North Korean human rights, Minister Kim stated his intention to establish a “North Korean Human Rights Roadmap” to progressively improve them. He also mentioned plans to promote the National Center for North Korean Human Rights (tentative) and engage in North Korean human rights dialogues, expanding opportunities for both the private sector and the international community to join in improving North Korean human rights.

Furthermore, the minister stressed the need for a clear direction towards unification based on a free and democratic basic order, stating that the ministry will work on strengthening education in liberal democracy and security.

Additionally, he highlighted that he “will make every effort to advance progress on issues related to separated families, abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated prisoners of war.”