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US 'strongly' supports inter-Korean cooperation: Biegun
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IANS | 08 Jul, 2020
US Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun on Wednesday said that
Washington "strongly" supports inter-Korean cooperation, calling it an
"important component" in creating a more stable environment on the
Korean Peninsula.
Biegun, who doubles as Washington's top nuclear
envoy, made the remarks as South Korea has been seeking US cooperation
in its push for cross-border cooperation projects stalled by
international sanctions, Yonhap news agency reported.
"The United
States strongly supports inter-Korean cooperation, and we believe this
plays an important component in creating a more stable environment on
the Korean Peninsula," he told reporters soon after talks with Seoul's
chief nuclear envoy, Lee Do-hoon.
"We look forward to fully
supporting the government of Korea as it advances its goals with North
Korea in inter-Korean cooperation," he added.
Biegun's remarks
came amid speculation that Washington may be uneasy about Seoul's
eagerness for inter-Korean cooperation amid the absence of substantive
progress in the efforts to denuclearize the North.
Apparently
referring to North Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui's
reported statements, including one that rejected possibilities of talks
with the US as politically driven, Biegun said he does not take
"directions" from Choe.
"I take my guidance from conclusions of
several meetings that President Trump and Chairman Kim had over the last
two years," Biegun said, referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un
by his title of chairman of the State Affairs Commission.
"Their
vision is what guides our team: a focus on creating a more durable peace
on the Korean Peninsula, transforming relations on the Korean
Peninsula, elimination of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula and a
brighter future for the Korean people," he said.
Biegun also said the US is ready to resume negotiations with the North at any time.
"When
Chairman Kim appoints a counterpart to me who is prepared and empowered
to negotiate on these issues, they will find us ready at that very
moment. We look forward to continuing our work for a peaceful outcome on
Korean Peninsula," Biegun said.
"I believe this is very much possible. President Trump has given us his full support to continue this effort," he added.
Biegun
arrived here on Tuesday for a three-day visit on an apparent mission to
highlight the US commitment to diplomacy with Pyongyang and forestall
the escalation of tensions caused by Pyongyang's recent blowing up of an
inter-Korean liaison office and warnings of now suspended military
plans.
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