Date: Friday, March 2, 2012
Time: 11:00~11:11
1. Minister’s Visit to Germany and EU
Minister Yu Woo-ik made a visit to Germany and EU from Feb.23 to March 1.
Minister Yu promoted unification issue on the Korean Peninsula. He ensured that the unification of the two Koreas would contribute to the global peace and stability in northeast Asian region. He also demonstrated the South Korean government’s plan to create a unification account as part of an effort to prepare possible unification in the future.
Also, Minister Yu drew cooperation from Germany and EU in North Korean refugee issue. The Minister stressed that the free will of the North Korean refugees in China should be respected. He also maintained that the issue must be handled in accordance with universal value and humanitarian ground and called the international society’s attention to the issue.
He attempted to draw support for the South Korean government’s policy toward the North. Minister Yu demonstrated Seoul’s stance toward the North. The South Korean government is opening the window for opportunity and requesting the North to accept proposals for dialogue.
Lastly, Minister discussed cooperative activities with Germany and EU. For instance, the University of Kiel proposed student exchange program with South Korean universities. Korean-German Parliamentarians’ Friendship Association offered to issue commemorative stamps to mark 130th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Korea-Germany Joint Consultation Committee on National Unification required to review the cooperative works between the two countries and to discuss future plans.
2. Minister’s Schedule
Today, Minister Yu is slated to attend the entrance ceremony and the first lecture of Advanced Unification Policy Education Course. Minister Yu will deliver the first lecture of the education course titled “The Incumbent Government’s Unification Policy and the Need to Prepare Unification in the Future.” The event will take place at 7 P.M., Special Office for Inter-Korean Dialogue,
3. World Vision Korea Staff Members’ Visit to the North
Four staff members from World Vision Korea including Park Chang-bin, chief operating officer will visit Gaesong today to discuss the issue of humanitarian aid to the North. World Vision Korea will discuss providing flour aid and nutritional supplements for pregnant women.
