Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.
I am delighted to be in the company of esteemed ambassadors and
representatives of the EU member states who share common values of
freedom, democracy and human rights, ASEAN member states and
international organizations whoactively engage in the North Korean
issues as well as the German political foundations whose valuable
advice continues to guide our efforts towards unification of the
Korean Peninsula.
I firmly believe that fortifying our ties with Seoul-based
diplomatic missions and international organizations is the crucial
first step in fostering international cooperation on unification and
North Korea policy.
Today’s meeting is the second in kind following the previous meeting
with ambassadors of the UN Sending States of the Korean War last
November. Today we have invited major countries involved in the Korean
Peninsula issues, international organizations and the German political foundations.
I would like to use this opportunity to extend my deepest
appreciation for your continued cooperation and support to guide North
Korea to the right direction and ROK government’s preparation for
unification. I hope today’s gathering will set a foundation to advance
our mutual cooperation and communication.
2.
This year, the ROK government has diligently pursued the 3D
approach of Deterrence, Dissuasion and Dialogue for a principled
inter-Korean relations with the attempt to bring North Korea to the
path for denuclearization and better public welfare.
In the face of North Korea's provocations, we have responded
resolutely, enhancing international cooperation and solidarity to
guide North Korea toward a more positive path.
From the trilateral summit at the Camp David to the recent ROK-UK
summit, we have strived to convey our vision of a "unified Korean
peninsula that is free and at peace" to the broader international community.
Improving North Korea’s human rights situation is the first and
foremost priority in our North Korea policy. And we have been
strengthening our cooperation with the international community, while
advocating against forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in
China and other countries.
Internally, we have been consistently working for the successful
resettlement of defectors through initiatives such as job fairs. This
year the Ministry of Unification has also placed a special emphasis on
issues concerning abductees, detainees, and unrepatriated POWs of the
Korean War.
3.
Regrettably, the North Korean regime persists in
prioritizing its nuclear and missile ambitions, disregarding the
well-being of its people and jeopardizing global peace.
Recent provocative actions, such as launching a military
reconnaissance satellite, arming their forces at Panmunjeom and
recovering their guard posts in the DMZ all contribute to escalating
tension on the Korean Peninsula.
The time calls for our coordinated voice to let North Korea
recognize that they will not gain anything from their threat and provocation.
Simultaenously, we need to continue to shape a strategic environment
for North Korea so that they will not have any other option but to
return to negotiation for denuclearization.
In the face of our firm commitment to unwavering sanctions and
consistent pressure on North Korea, in solidarity with the
international community, North Korea will have no other choice but to change.
The ROK government will persist in stabilizing the Korean
Peninsula’s situation and guiding North Korea to make right choices.
Moreover, we will be working with the international community
through diverse occasions to inform public about the reality of North
Korea and promote the human rights situation in the North.
As we celebrate the ‘International Human Rights Month’ this
December, the Ministry of Unification will be holding an International
Dialogue for North Korean Human Rights,
and with the ‘North Korea Human Rights Road Map’ that will be
published within this year, we will be able to strengthening
international cooperation for an improved human rights situation for
North Korean people.
We will also continue our endeavor to create conditions favorable to
people-to-people exchanges or humanitarian assistance.
I earnestly seek your interest and cooperation in improving the
human rights situation in North Korea, ensuring that our collective
efforts translate into tangible progress.
4.
The cooperation and solidarity with the international
community are paramount to resolve the complex issues surrounding the
Korean Peninsula, including the North Korean nuclear problem and human
rights concerns. I depend heavily upon diplomatic missions in Korea
and international organizations to play a pivotal role in this process.
The door of the Ministry of Unification will be always open to
representatives of Seoul-based diplomatic missions, international
organizations and political foundations. We are ready to listen to
your valuable advice, insight, and opinion at anytime.
So we urge your continued support for our government's endeavors to
achieve a peaceful unification on the foundation of a liberal
democracy. I invite you to be close partners in our journey towards unification.
Thank you
