hankyoreh

With the first high-level inter-Korean talks in over two years scheduled to take place on Jan. 9, leaders from around the world are watching with interest to see how the dialogue unfolds. While the initial talks will likely be centered around North Korean participation in the Pyeongchang Olympics, the hope is that this will provide momentum for addressing a range of issues and reducing military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Speaking to reporters, Kong Xuanyou, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and special representative of the Chinese Government on Korean Peninsular Affairs said, “North Korea has said it would send a delegation to the Olympics, which has to be welcomed with open arms. Are you not one people and compatriots? China hopes that the inter-Korean exchanges will continue after the Pyeongchang Olympics have finished.”

The photo shows the South Korean special representative for Korean Peninsula peace and security affairs, Lee Do-hoon, walking hand-in-hand with Kong prior to a meeting at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in the Doryeom District of Seoul on Jan. 5. (Photo Collective)