Two Koreas' ties remain deadlocked two years after 2018 Pyeongyang Joint Declaration
- 4 years ago
9.19 평양공동선언 2주년...이인영 "합의는 이행을 통해 완성된다"
This Saturday September 19th the two Koreas mark two years since the 2018 Inter Korean Summit in Pyeongyang and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration.
In the North Korean capital, the two Koreas vowed to implement a wide range of inter-Korean projects, including lowering military tensions and fostering economic cooperation.
However, the early optimism of those days has largely fizzled out.
Kim Dami reports.
Two years after the 2018 Pyeongyang Joint Declaration,... the two Koreas remain deadlocked.
And their ties are frostier than ever after the North blew up their joint liaison office in June in retaliation for anti-Pyeongyang leaflets sent to the North by South Korean activist groups.
In fact, inter-Korean relations have been on pause since the Pyeongyang-Washington Hanoi Summit in February 2019, which ended with no deal.
Still, Seoul called on Pyeongyang to stick to the agreements they'd made.
"In order to carry out what was envisioned by the leaders of the two sides and start fresh, joint efforts, the South and the North should continue to move things forward."
Such efforts include Lee's recent proposal to upgrade the DMZ into a so called International Peace Zone as well as building trust among the two Koreas and the U.S.
"Inter-Korean cooperation on humanitarian areas, including healthcare and climate change, should be pursued throughout the year based on communication with Washington...regardless of what the current situation is."
As highlighted by the minister, watchers note that improved inter-Korean ties greatly depend on the relationship between Pyeongyang and Washington.
"Whatever gesture North Korea may offer in the coming months, it should be a function of what's going to happen in the United States especially with November presidential election."
Despite the lack of progress, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted this week that talks with Pyeongyang are ongoing behind scenes.
"The North has not mentioned the summit anniversary, but South Korea's Unification Ministry is urging the North to make a decision and return to open-minded dialogue.
The ministry also voiced hopes of holding reunions for separated families whenever the North is ready and reopening tours to the DMZ once the pandemic calms down.
Kim Dami, Arirang News."
This Saturday September 19th the two Koreas mark two years since the 2018 Inter Korean Summit in Pyeongyang and the Pyeongyang Joint Declaration.
In the North Korean capital, the two Koreas vowed to implement a wide range of inter-Korean projects, including lowering military tensions and fostering economic cooperation.
However, the early optimism of those days has largely fizzled out.
Kim Dami reports.
Two years after the 2018 Pyeongyang Joint Declaration,... the two Koreas remain deadlocked.
And their ties are frostier than ever after the North blew up their joint liaison office in June in retaliation for anti-Pyeongyang leaflets sent to the North by South Korean activist groups.
In fact, inter-Korean relations have been on pause since the Pyeongyang-Washington Hanoi Summit in February 2019, which ended with no deal.
Still, Seoul called on Pyeongyang to stick to the agreements they'd made.
"In order to carry out what was envisioned by the leaders of the two sides and start fresh, joint efforts, the South and the North should continue to move things forward."
Such efforts include Lee's recent proposal to upgrade the DMZ into a so called International Peace Zone as well as building trust among the two Koreas and the U.S.
"Inter-Korean cooperation on humanitarian areas, including healthcare and climate change, should be pursued throughout the year based on communication with Washington...regardless of what the current situation is."
As highlighted by the minister, watchers note that improved inter-Korean ties greatly depend on the relationship between Pyeongyang and Washington.
"Whatever gesture North Korea may offer in the coming months, it should be a function of what's going to happen in the United States especially with November presidential election."
Despite the lack of progress, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hinted this week that talks with Pyeongyang are ongoing behind scenes.
"The North has not mentioned the summit anniversary, but South Korea's Unification Ministry is urging the North to make a decision and return to open-minded dialogue.
The ministry also voiced hopes of holding reunions for separated families whenever the North is ready and reopening tours to the DMZ once the pandemic calms down.
Kim Dami, Arirang News."