Date: Monday, July 5, 2021
Time: 10:30-10:37 A.M.
1. Unification Minister receives National Unification Contract
devised by the general public
Minister Lee In-young received a National Unification Contract from
the representatives of the Social Dialogue for Peace and Unification
Building of Korea (PUB of Korea) today at 10 A.M.
The National Unification Contract was finalized after four years of
social dialogue and public discussions among people of all ages,
genders, ideologies, and regions. These dialogues were arranged by PUB
of Korea, which represents a wide range of civil societies and
religious groups. The Contract presents an image of a desirable future
for the Korean Peninsula and suggests a realization plan, sympathized
and supported by Korean nationals of all walks of life.
Minister Lee will deliver the National Unification Contract to
President Moon Jae-in today, while members of PUB of Korea will be
delivering it to the floor leaders of each party in the National Assembly.
The Government plans to continue its efforts to spread the ideas
raised through the Contract so that it can gain more public support
and be realized through policies.
2. Minister Lee to visit South Gyeongsang Province
Minister Lee will visit South Gyeongsang Province on July 9.
Minister Lee will sit down for a meeting with the Governor of South
Gyeongsang Province and will also hold meetings with policy customers
in Changwon City, Geoje City, and Goseong County. Special lectures for
local residents and students are also scheduled.
3. Q&A
Q. Are there any signs of easing border control between North Korea
and China?
A. Movements of the North preparing for trade in the border area has
been detected constantly. These trends include the construction of
disinfection facilities in Sinuiju and Nampho, as well as the adoption
of a new law concerning the disinfection of imported goods. However,
there is no official confirmation on the resumption of exchange of
goods between North Korea and China. It is hard to predict why this is
being delayed as the timing of the resumption is a matter to be
decided through consultations between China and North Korea.
However, considering North Korea’s recent emphasis on the need to
take measures to stabilize the economy and people’s livelihood in
response to the prolonged emergency epidemic prevention campaign, it
can be assumed that the demand for quarantine measures against
Covid-19 is affecting plans for resuming trade with China.
Q. Media specializing in North Korean issues are reporting on rising
prices of goods in certain areas. What is the Ministry’s evaluation on
this issue? Does the North feel greater need to block its borders even
through the price on rise is soaring?
A. The Government is closely watching changes in major economic
indicators, including the prices of goods and foreign exchange rates.
Recently, the volatility of these indicators have grown.
Furthermore, North Korean President Kim Jong Un recently
acknowledged that the country is facing a tense food shortage, and is
strongly calling for measures to stabilize the economy and the
livelihood of its people. Such developments suggest that prolonged
efforts to fight against the coronavirus have affected people’s living
to some degree, and that the North is making efforts to reduce these effects.
Nevertheless, North Korea continues to stress the need to pursue
quarantine measures and encourages party members, ranking officials,
and the people to take part in these efforts. The North, while
tackling the coronavirus situation, is also working to minimize the
impact it has on its people.
