Date: Monday, June 15, 2020
Time: 10:30-10:40 A.M.
1. Minister's Schedule
Minister Kim Yeon Chul delivered congratulatory remarks at an event
held by the Democratic Party in commemoration of the 20th anniversary
of the June 15 Joint Declaration at 10 A.M. Mr. Kim will visit Dorasan
Station to attend the unveiling of a monument engraved with poet Moon
Ik-hwan’s poem at 12 P.M., followed by another June 15 anniversary
event held at Odusan Unification Tower at 5:30 P.M.
On June 16, Minister Kim will attend the cabinet meeting at 10 A.M.
2. Vice Minister's Schedule
Vice Minister Suh Ho will attend the unveiling of a monument with
poet Moon Ik-hwan’s poem engraved at 11 A.M., followed by a
calligraphy exhibition held in commemoration of the June 15 Joint
Declaration at 2 P.M. He will also attend the June 15 anniversary
event held at Odusan Unification Tower at 5:30 P.M.
On June 16 and 18, Mr. Suh will visit Ganghwa-gun and Gimpo-si
respectively to listen to the concerns of border area residents
regarding sending leaflets toward the North, and also look over
response measures taken by the police and the coast guard.
The visit is arranged in line with the Government’s position to
strictly respond to the act of flying leaflets and floating plastic
bottles to the North. Such acts conducted by some civic groups raise
tension between the two Koreas and pose threat to the lives and safety
of border area residents.
On June 18, Vice Minister Suh will attend the vice-ministers’
conference at 10:30 A.M.
3. Q&A (Extract)
Q. Does the government have a statement regarding the 20th
anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration?
A. The June 15 South-North Joint Declaration carries its historical
meaning as it confirmed the fact that issues concerning the Korean
Peninsula are to be resolved by the Korean people and opened a new era
for inter-Korean relations.
Despite many challenges faced over the last two decades,
inter-Korean relations have progressed on the basis of the June 15
Delcaration spirit.
The Government will continue to work for peace and prosperity on the
Korean Peninsula, while adhering to all inter-Korean agreements
including the June 15 Declaration.
Q. First vice department director Kim Yo Jong warned in a statement
on June 13 that the North will tear down the Joint Liaison Office in
Gaeseong. Does the Government have a response regarding this?
A. As already expressed, the ROKG holds a stern understanding of the
current situation, and the two Koreas need to make efforts to
implement all mutual agreements.
Q. It seems highly possible that the North will demolish the
Gaeseong Joint Liaison Office – does the Ministry have a response to this?
A. The Government, sternly recognizing current developments, is
keeping a close eye on the situation and preparing for all possible circumstances.
Q. Is the border between North Korea and China still under lockdown?
A. We have not yet heard of a complete lift on border control
between North Korea and China. Some essential goods seem to be moving
in and out of the North, but we will still have to wait and see for
further developments.