If North Korea engages in “denuclearization dialogue,” we will pursue exchange cooperation that benefits both South and North Korean residents

Forum, “Diagnosis for the North Korean Economy: Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issue and the Future of the North Korean Economy” (November 1)

On November 1, the Ministry of Unification hosted an international forum under the theme of “Diagnosis for the North Korean Economy: Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issue and the Future of the North Korean Economy” at the Westin Josun Seoul.

Divided into three sessions, “Resolving the North Korean Nuclear Issue and the Future of the North Korean Economy,” “Analysis of North Korea’s Economic Stagnation,” and “The Reality of North Korean Economy and Its Impact on the Lives of North Koreans,” the forum was attended by experts and North Korean defectors, who freely discussed and analyzed the issues.

In his opening remarks, Unification Minister Kim Yung Ho highlighted that the “grim reality of the North Korean economy” is a result of the North Korean leadership’s obsession with enhancing their nuclear and missile capabilities while turning a blind eye to the livelihoods of its people. Minister Kim urged North Korea to break free from provocations and confrontations and come out onto the “right path of denuclearization dialogue.”

Moreover, the minister added, “If North Korea engages in denuclearization dialogue, we will pursue various cooperation and exchange measures as stated in the ‘Audacious Initiative,’ and the ‘South-North Korea Joint Economic Development Plan.’”