(VOVworld) – Positive developments in inter-Korean relations are considered a catalyst for the two countries to settle pending issues. This signals hope for a new start in bilateral ties.
North Korea and South Korea have agreed to reopen the Kaesong joint industrial park, a symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation, after a 4-month closure. Although no specific time frame has been set, both countries committed not to closing this industrial park again and agreed to boost foreign investment there.
Kaesong industrial park, symbol of inter-Korean economic cooperation
|
This agreement was reached after 7 rounds of failed negotiations. South Korean President Park Geun Hye said this will renew inter-Korean relations after months of tension. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said he hoped the industrial park will resume its operations as soon as possible and will not be shut down again. Ban also said he expects the agreement to improve trust and cooperation between the two countries. The US showed its support for improved inter-Korean relations through the reopening of Kaesong. An association representing the owners of the South Korean companies in Kaesong said it will help to raise Kaesong’s competitiveness and turn it into a global investment destination.
The reopening of Kaesong has paved the way for progress in many other areas. One day after the agreement was reached, South Korean President Park Geun Hye called on North Korea to once again permit the reunion of families separated by the war after a 3-year hiatus. Approximately 72,000 South Koreans, half of whom are in their 80s, are waiting for a chance to attend a family reunion. Pyongyang has accepted Seoul’s offer and family reunions will be held on South Korea’s Chuseok or Thanksgiving festival on September 19th. Tourism between the two Koreas will likely be restarted now that Pyongyang has asked Seoul to resume tours to mount Kumgang.
Observers, however, are following the two countries’ moves cautiously, particularly after South Korea and the US began their annual military exercise called Ulchi Freedom Guardian on Monday, which has often been strongly criticized by North Korea. North Korean media have stressed the need to resolve pending issues in a spirit of self-determination. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the voice of North Korea’s Labor Party, called for an end to confrontation. These messages hint at Pyongyang’s dissatisfaction at the joint military exercise.
Despite some concern about the impact of the exercise, hope for a new start in inter-Korean relations looks viable.