Normalizing inter-Korean relations through a trust-building process

1.Outline

The Park Administration will strive to manage peace and improve inter-Korean relations by building trust between Pyongyang and Seoul. In the short run, we will attempt to strengthen deterrence and security while trying to normalize inter-Korean relations and to achieve durable peace on the Korean peninsula in the medium-long run.

2.Tasks

Resolving humanitarian issues

When providing ‘pure’ humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable groups in North Korea, including infants and pregnant women, the ROK government will work closely with international organizations to decide the appropriate time and method of assistance regardless of the political circumstances and security situation on the Korean peninsula.

The ROK government is determined to solve the issues pertaining to the separated families, prisoners of war and abductees.

Adhering to the existing agreements and creating dialogue channels

The Park administration places top priority on national security. Based on this principle, the ROK government will decide whether or not to resume inter-Korean dialogue and attempt to settle North Korean nuclear issues. As we seek to solve such pending issues on the Korean peninsula, we will carefully consider the shifting international circumstances and North Korea’s behavior and, act accordingly.

The ROK government takes the position that all agreements signed between Seoul and Pyongyang must be fulfilled by both parties and any additional agreements should only be considered when both Seoul and Pyongyang carry out the existing agreements.

Promoting reciprocal inter-Korean exchanges and cooperation

The ROK government will carefully examine North Korea’s nuclear development and take it into consideration when deciding whether or not to internationalize the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC) and promote economic, social and cultural exchanges and cooperation between North and South Korea.

The ROK government will establish the Inter-Korean Exchanges and Cooperation Office in Seoul and Pyongyang only when the conditions are met.

The ROK government will initiate the ‘Vision Korea Project’ when trust is restored between North and South Korea and when there is progress in denuclearization of North Korea.

Confidence Building and promoting mutual exchanges and cooperation between North and South Korea

The ROK government will first attempt to terminate North Korea’s military provocations and then move toward building trust in the areas of the military and politics and promoting reciprocal exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas.