Unification Minister Kim seeks support of German government for the vision of a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace, stressing the importance of international cooperation to identify those responsible for human rights violations in North Korea and to close prison camps.

Minister Kim Yung Ho visits the UK and Germany (September 28-October 4)

Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho, visiting the United Kingdom and Germany from September 28 to October 4, 2023, met with Dörte Dinger, Head of the Office of the Federal President, on the morning of October 2. The minister listened to Germany’s experiences with unification, explained the Korean government’s direction on unification policy, and sought the German government’s support for the vision of a unified Korean Peninsula that is free and at peace.

Furthermore, both sides extensively discussed the surrounding situation, including the results of the recent ROK-U.S.-Japan summit at Camp David and the North Korea-Russia summit, and they exchanged views on the constructive role of China.

The German side assessed that the improvement in South Korea-Japan relations resulting from President Yoon’s courageous decision has strengthened ROK-U.S.-Japan cooperation. Also, Minister Kim asked the German government for their support for Busan’s bid for the World EXPO 2030.

On the afternoon of October 2, Minister Kim visited a former East Germany prison camp, where he listened to vivid testimonies from two former inmates about the conditions at the time. Expressing deep concerns about the worse human rights violations occurring in North Korea compared to the conditions in East Germany’s prison camps, the minister stressed the urgent need for the immediate closure of North Korea’s prison camps and called for international solidarity to prevent further violations.

Moreover, Minister Kim paid a visit to the Stasi Records Archive, where he agreed on the importance of investigating, documenting, and preserving cases of human rights violations in North Korea to achieve justice during a transition period. This includes holding those responsible accountable and providing relief for and cherishing the memories of victims.

Minister Kim praised the German government for utilizing the prison camps and the Stasi Records Archive to educate the younger generation about liberal democracy and stated that the Ministry of Unification will work closely with the two institutions in the pursuit of improving human rights in North Korea.

Both institutions welcomed Minister Kim’s visit and expressed expectations for future cooperation.