Date: Monday, November 25, 2019
Time:
10:30-10:41 A.M.
1. Minister's Schedules
Minister Kim Yeon Chul will deliver congratulatory remarks at the
opening ceremony of the Grand Dictionary of Korean Language
(Gyeoremal-keunsajeon) exhibit center tomorrow(11.26) at 1 P.M., and
attend a plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs
& Unification Committee at 2 P.M.
On Wednesday(11.27) Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at
8:30 A.M., followed by a luncheon with officials of the ‘Gangwon
Movement Headquarters for Resumption of Mt. Geumgang Tourism’.
On Thursday(11.28), Minister Kim will deliver an opening address at
the DMZ Global Forum at 1:10 P.M.
2. Vice Minister's Schedules
Vice Minister Suh Ho will attend the subcommittee on legislative
deliberation in the National Assembly today(11.25) at 2 P.M.
On Tuesday(11.26) Vice Minister Suh will attend the subcommittee on
legislative deliberation in the National Assembly today(11.25) at 10
A.M. followed by a plenary session of the National Assembly's Foreign
Affairs & Unification Committee with the Minister at 2 P.M.
On Wednesday(11.27), Vice Minister Suh will deliver congratulatory
remarks at a seminar held by the Seoul Peace Institute at 9:30 A.M.,
followed by a special lecture at an event held by the German Political
Foundation at 2:30 P.M.
On Thursday(11.28), Vice Minister Suh will attend the
vice-ministers’ conference at 10:30 A.M. Vice Minister Suh will also
deliver congratulatory remarks at an event for the inter-Korean
exchange and cooperation of local governments at 1:30 P.M.
3. Q&A (Partial)
Q. What are the outcomes of the Minister’s visit to the U.S.? Also,
I would like to ask if the government is willing to take the
initiative in issues such as resumption of Mt. Geumgang tours within
the framework of the solid ROK-U.S. alliance.
A. Minister Kim returned to Seoul yesterday after a seven-day visit
to the U.S. from November 17. Through his visit, the first since he
took office, the Minister was able to form consensus on the direction
of the ROKG’s policy toward North Korea and pending issues with
officials of U.S. federal government and North Korean experts. The
unification ministry will continue to encourage and support external
visits and activities of senior officials to strengthen communication
with the international community.With regards to your question on Mt.
Geumgang tour, the Minister explained about it during a meeting with
local correspondents in Washington D.C. The Minister said that he will
seek a creative solution considering conditions and environment
necessary for resuming and revitalizing Mt. Geumgang tour.The Minister
stated that conducting inter-Korean consultations to resolve problems
such as guaranteeing tourists’ security is the priority to resume the
tour; however, he emphasized that the ROKG will closely consult with
the U.S. while seeking for creative solutions in the process of
revitalizing the tour.
Q. The North Korean KCNA today reported that Chairman Kim Jong Un
inspected the Changrin Islet defense detachment, the military units
close to inter-Korean borders. While inspecting the site Chairman Kim
ordered the units to be in full readiness for carrying out a combat
mission any moment. Some see this as an unusual move, and I would like
to know how the Ministry is analyzing it.
A. This is not the first time Chairman Kim visited military unit
near the inter-Korean borders and the Ministry believes that the
visits to the border areas and military units have been carried out
due to internal demands. However, according to today’s KCNA report, we
see that Kim’s visit to the military unit near the border area was the
first since he took power. The relevant ministries will be stating
their positions as well, but the Ministry of Unification reiterates on
behalf of the ROKG that such actions that incite military tensions in
the inter-Korean border areas should be deterred, and the military
agreements signed on September 19 need to be strictly complied.
