“By upholding a decision by the leadership, we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and faithful manner,” said Ri Son-gwon, the head of North Korea’s agency handling inter-Korean affairs. “We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation.”But he did not specify whether the country would accept Seoul’s offer for high-level talks slated for January 9. The announcement comes a day after Seoul proposed high-level inter-Korean talks to discuss North Korea’s possible participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and ways to improve ties.
On New Year’s Day, Kim said North Korea was willing to send a delegation to the Olympics in South Korea and is open to inter-Korean talks over the matter. Pyongyang cut off two inter-Korean communication channels — a hotline installed at the liaison office at the truce village and a military channel — in February 2016 in protest of Seoul’s shutdown of a joint industrial complex.
Kim “highly appreciated and welcomed” South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s support of his peace offer, Ri said. “The leader stressed that whether inter-Korean ties can be improved totally depends on North and South Korea,” he said.
South Korea’s Unification Ministry welcomed the North’s restoration of the cross-border channel. “We will consult with North Korea over working-level issues in connection to our dialogue offer through the hotline,” the ministry said.
