Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young marked the 26th anniversary of the June 15th North-South Joint Declaration by stating that the spirit of June 15th must continue. He emphasized that managing and transforming the precarious relationship between the two hostile nations into peaceful coexistence is a clear task.
In a post on his Facebook account on June 15, Jeong listed the Lee Jae-myung administration's proactive peace efforts toward North Korea, noting, "What returns is only a harsh and cold silence. The anguish and frustration only deepen."
He added, "Nevertheless, we must never let go of the thread of dialogue, nor should we stop our steps toward peace," highlighting that finding a breakthrough is the great spirit of June 15th demonstrated by former President Kim Dae-jung.
Reflecting on his experience promoting the Kaesong Industrial Complex during his tenure as Minister of Unification in 2004, Jeong recalled attending the opening ceremony and presenting a set of pots produced by the first tenant company to former President Kim Dae-jung, who patted him on the shoulder and said, 'Well done.'
Jeong concluded, "Although we currently stand at the peak of a frigid winter, it is always darkest before the dawn. I will persevere and, with patience, pave the way for prosperity on the foundation of peaceful coexistence, free from hostility."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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