사진 확대
The foreign ministers of South Korea and China met in Seoul on the 19th to seek cooperation measures regarding the “multilateral discussion on the end of the Korean War.” It comes after President Lee Jae Myung proposed on the 15th that “Let’s start discussions between the parties to end the old war.”
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-hyun and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China, had a meeting and an official dinner on the same day. The foreign ministers of South Korea and China met amid predictions that U.S. President Donald Trump will push for a U.S.-North Korea summit in the wake of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Shenzhen, China in November.
They exchanged views on the regional situation, including △ end-of-war multilateral discussions △ denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula △ reduction of South Korea-U.S. joint training. Minister Cho said, “We will strive to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and realize peace,” adding, “We look forward to working with China based on the common interests of Korea and China of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.”
“As the most important neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China will continue to play a constructive role for peace, development, and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” Wang said. “I hope that both South and North Korea can gradually follow the opportunity for peace and coexistence, and I sincerely pray for the Korean Peninsula to achieve continuous stability and development.”
It is said that the previous multilateral discussion was also dealt with. Wang met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in April. China has not only mediated US-North Korea dialogue but has also held six-party talks. In Beijing alone, China, six-party talks were held six times between 2003 and 2007.
On the 20th, President Lee will meet with Minister Wang at the Blue House. President Lee will evaluate the direction of development of Korea-China relations and the situation in the region and send his regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Cheong Wa Dae said. Wi Sung-rak, head of the Blue House National Security Office, also decided to hold a meeting and luncheon with Wang.
[Reporter SUNG SEUNG HUN]