The Ministry of Unification and local governments prepare ways to
bolster consultation and adjustment systems for exchange and
cooperation between the two Koreas
The first Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Policy Council of
Local Governments 2023 was held offline (September 1)
On September 1, the Ministry of Unification held the first
Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Policy Council of Local
Governments 2023* (hereafter “Policy Council”) offline since the start
of the Yoon administration
*A legal council to consult on and coordinate policies for
inter-Korean exchange and cooperation of local
governments
(Article 24-2 of the Inter-Korean Exchange And
Cooperation Act) A working committee composed of the Vice Minister of
Unification as the chairman and deputy ministerial or director-general
level officials from 17 metropolitan cities as members.
Today, the Ministry of Unification and local governments agreed upon
the need to promote the exchange and cooperation of local governments
in an orderly manner based on responsibility and discussed necessary
measures regarding the matter.
First, the amendment of the provision on the Composition and
Operation of the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Policy Council
of Local Governments which centers on bolstering ex ante and ex post
facto consultation of exchange and cooperation projects of local
governments was approved.
Second, in consideration of hitherto results of the project and
future conditions, the abolishment of the preliminary approval system
of cooperative projects of local governments* was decided.
*Preliminary approval of cooperative projects for the revitalization
of exchange and cooperation of local governments on the condition that
modifications of the North’s Agreement are subsequently made
Third, a 50% reduction (31.1b won in 2023 to 15.5b won in 2024) of
the Inter-Korean Cooperation Fund was decided as there was no single
actual execution case of the budget after its formulation to support
the exchange and cooperation of local governments.
Deputy ministerial or director-general level officials from 15
metropolitan cities and officials from the Ministry of the Interior
and Safety and Governors Association participated in the Policy
Council, and they promised to cooperate closely on the overall
promotion course of the unification policies, as well as exchange and cooperation.
