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.’”
