Seoul to push for resumption of inter-Korean rail project next year: unification ministry

SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The Ministry of Unification announced on Wednesday its intention to push for the revival of a cross-border rail link with North Korea next year. The project is part of a broader strategy to foster peaceful coexistence with the North. During a briefing to the National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs and Unification, officials stated that preparatory work would commence on four peaceful exchange projects.

These initiatives include a health cooperation project, the Wonsan-Kalma peace tourism project, a Seoul-Beijing high-speed railway, and the Greater Tumen Initiative (GTI), a multilateral framework involving South Korea, China, Mongolia, and Russia focused on transport, energy, and tourism. The ministry intends to revive the GTI, which seeks to bolster regional economic ties through improved transport and tourism infrastructure.

Seoul also plans to restart construction of the South Korean segment of the Gyeongwon railway line next year, aiming for completion by 2029. The railway will connect Seoul with Wonsan in North Korea. The ministry reiterated its commitment to peaceful relations with Pyongyang but emphasized a more cautious and defined approach in its planned endeavors, a directive reportedly stemming from President Lee Jae Myung's mandate.

The briefing also highlighted North Korea's strategic focus on deepening ties with China and Russia to bolster its negotiating position in potential dialogue with the United States. Pyongyang is expected to prioritize arms reduction over full denuclearization in any future discussions. Meanwhile, the ministry predicted Pyongyang would maintain a prudent and reserved stance towards Seoul.