Minister Jeong Dong-young said on the 14th, 'We will recognize and respect North Korea's system and will not pursue the collapse of North Korea or absorption unification.'
On that day, Minister Jeong noted in a speech at the 'One Korea International Forum' held at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, 'The new government's policy toward North Korea is nothing new,' adding that it is based on the 'Basic Agreement between North and South Korea' signed by the conservative government of Roh Tae-woo in December 1991.
He referenced Articles 1 to 6 of the Basic Agreement between North and South Korea, stating that the new government will recognize and respect the North Korean system, will not interfere in its internal affairs, and will refrain from slandering and defaming.
He continued that they would not pursue the collapse of North Korea or absorption unification but would not give up on the dream of moving toward a peaceful regime and would not use force.
On that day, Minister Jeong, at a 'Ceremonial Prayer for Peace and Harmony between North and South' held at Bongeunsa in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, through a speech delivered by Vice Minister Kim Nam-joong, stated, 'A brief storm cannot overcome a silently flowing current,' and added, 'The tumultuous international situation or tensions and conflicts between North and South will never break the genuine desire for harmony and peace on this land.'
Minister Jeong said, 'Peace on the Korean Peninsula will start anew from the residents of North and South Korea communicating and meeting again,' and added, 'The government will consistently and actively support exchanges and cooperation between the residents of North and South Korea.'
He further stated, 'The first task is for the institutional sector to meet again, talk, and communicate, starting from small things to restore trust and move toward reconciliation and cooperation,' and noted, 'Free interactions will lead to mutual understanding, and mutual understanding will result in coexistence.'