통일부, 북 김여정 발언에 “평화체제 우선…북미 정상 대화 기대”

The Unification Ministry has commented on North Korean Vice Minister Ri Yong Ho's recent statements regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to reduce joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. The ministry emphasized that the priority should be establishing a peaceful order in the Korean Peninsula, noting that the North's proposed "true peace and stability approach" should primarily focus on ending the Korean War and eliminating the need for conflict.

Ri Yong Ho stated that he was uninterested in the U.S.-South Korea exercises, but acknowledged the strong relationship between Trump and Kim Jong Un, saying it "opened the door to dialogue." He also reiterated his commitment to taking a strong stance for the safety of his country and the regional environment, while maintaining the same approach to achieve genuine peace and stability.

The Unification Ministry interpreted Trump's decision to reduce joint exercises as a determination to start dialogue for peace on the Korean Peninsula. They expressed hope that the North would join in this opportunity, and pledged to make all efforts to ensure that Trump's "big decision" could lead to North-South talks and a stable peace order on the Korean Peninsula this year.

When asked about concerns that South Korea might be excluded from this discussion, the Unification Ministry officials clarified that the Korean Peninsula peace issue is a matter they must participate in, and would not allow such exclusion. They also confirmed that they are in consultations with the U.S.