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| Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon proposed a high-level inter-Korean meeting for Jan. 9 at a media briefing at the Government Building in Jongro-gu, Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap |
By Oh Young-jin, Park Si-soo
South Korea's Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon on Tuesday proposed a high-level inter-Korean meeting in the truce village of Panmunjom on Jan. 9.
Cho's proposal came a day after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un showed willingness to resume dialogue with Seoul on the issue of the North's possible participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics beginning Feb. 9.
If the talks take place, they will be first meeting between the two governments in more than two years.
"We are open to place and agenda," Cho told a briefing. "I would like to reiterate our willingness to hold talks with the North at any time and place, in any form."
The minister said Seoul hopes that the two countries "can sit face to face and discuss the participation of the North Korean delegation at the PyeongChang Games, as well as other issues of mutual interest for the improvement of inter-Korean ties."
He said Seoul has been closely coordinating with the United States.
Regarding the North's failure to respond to talks through the contact channel in Panmunjom, the minister expressed his hope to restart dialogue.
In a New Year's speech on Monday, Kim said Pyongyang is open to dialogue with Seoul, hinting at its willingness to take part in the Winter Games in South Korea Feb. 9-25.
Kim's surprise offer came as the South is pinning hopes on the North's participation in the Games because it believes the move could help ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. South Korean President Moon Jae-in welcomed Kim's olive branch.
