Date: Monday, November 22, 2021
Time: 10:30-10:40 A.M.
1. International symposium discussing the National Unification
Contract to be held online
The Ministry of Unification has been working on devising a National
Unification Contract together with civil society with the objective of
mapping out a desirable future for the Korean Peninsula and laying the
foundation for social consensus in implementing policies on North
Korea and unification.
To realize this objective, the Ministry arranged approximately 60
social dialogues together with the ‘Social Dialogue for Peace and
Unification Building of Korea (PUB of Korea),’ which represents a wide
range of civil societies and religious groups. After years of dialogue
beginning 2018, we were able to finalize the National Unification Contract.
Efforts to publicize the contract have continued through
parliamentary debates and social dialogue with people of all walks of
life. In line with such efforts, an international symposium discussing
the contract will be held online on November 24. The symposium will
focus on sharing the results of social dialogues with domestic and
foreign experts and seeking directions for improvement.
Unification Minister Lee In-young and lawmakers from the ruling and
opposition parties will deliver congratulatory remarks, and members of
civil organizations including those from PUB of Korea will take part
in discussions.
The process of developing a social consensus on the issue of
unification and peace through dialogue, which has often been the
subject of conflict in our society, can build a solid foundation for
sustainable North Korean policy. Based on such understanding, the
Government will continue efforts to advance the contract.
2. Ministry to co-host Global Academic Forum for Peace-Unification Education
On November 25, the Unification Ministry and the Ministry of
Education will be co-hosting the Global Academic Forum for
Peace-Unification Education.
The Ministry has been striving to raise public understanding of
peace on the Korean Peninsula through unification education. The
forum, held under the theme of “peace education in conflict-affected
countries,” will examine the challenges of peace education in conflict
societies, and search ways to improve peace education through overseas
cases in Cyprus and Northern Ireland.
Minister Lee In-young will deliver welcoming video remarks, and
participate in discussions with experts from the National Institute
for Unification Education, the Korea Institute for National
Unification, and the Korean Educational Development Institute, as well
as foreign experts from Israel, Cyprus and England.
3. Ministry to sponsor 2021 DMZ International Forum on Peace Economy
On November 26, the 2021 DMZ International Forum on Peace Economy
co-hosted by the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy and
Gangwon Province, and sponsored by the Ministry will be held at 10:30 A.M.
Domestic and foreign experts will discuss ways to implement peace
economy in the border area and also have the opportunity to visit the
DMZ in person. Minister Lee will deliver a keynote speech at the forum.
4. Q&A
Q. A foreign media reported a few days ago that railroad operations
between North Korea and China resumed on November 1, but was suspended
after eight days due to the spread of Covid-19. Is the government
aware of any such developments?
A. Movements have been detected in the North Korea-China border that
suggest preparations for an opening, including the construction of
disinfection facilities and the North’s adoption of a new law
concerning the disinfection of imported goods. Based on recent
developments, the Government believes that such preparations are in
the final stages. However, it is difficult to predict when the North
will open its borders as it is a matter to be decided through
consultations between China and the North.
As North Korea’s lift in border control creates better conditions
for inter-Korean and international cooperation, the government will
continue to closely monitor the situation.
Q. You have mentioned that though related developments have been
observed, it is hard to predict when the border restrictions will be
eased. Does this mean that the border was never open before, or that
it will open following a short resumption and yet another suspension?
A. Various developments have been observed as the North and China
make preparations to resume trade, including technical inspections. I
am aware that there have been reports citing sources claiming that the
border has been temporarily opened. However, it is inappropriate for
the Government to specifically confirm or deny any or all such
developments. Though preparations to resume trade between China and
North Korea are being observed constantly, it is too early to confirm
that the North’s border restrictions have been lifted.
Q. North Korean media reported that its Conference of Frontrunners
of Three Revolutions closed today. What is the Unification Ministry’s
evaluation of this event? Secondly, has there been any meaningful
conversations between the two Koreas since the communications channels
have been restored on October 4?
A. Over the past few days North Korea has reported on the 5th
Conference of Frontrunners of Three Revolutions, and announced today
that the event has closed.
It is the Ministry’s understanding that the conference, which was
originally a decennial event, was held earlier than usual. In
addition, the North continues to emphasize the importance of mass
public movements through reports on the conference. As this is the
first year of implementing the North’s five-year economic development
plan, and President Kim Jong Un’s 10th year in power, the North is
seeking to produce outcomes, strengthen internal unity, and inspect
factors related to mobilizing domestic resources. The conference
appears to be held as part of such efforts.
With regards to the restoration of communications lines, the
Government acknowledges the restoration as a basic foundation and
starting point for resuming inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation. The
communications lines are in stable operation, with daily routine calls
being made twice a day. We see this as a positive development.
However, it is regrettable that the restoration of communications
lines have not yet led to sectoral talks or to the establishment of a
video conference system. We will continue making efforts to realize
these goals.
