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Korea Update 2000

Korea Update 2000
by H.E Ambassador Shin Hyo-hun

ASIALINK CIRCLE SEMINAR - SYDNEY CHAPTER
SYDNEY - 11 December 2000

(Introduction)

Thank you Mr Carrillo Gantner, for your kind invitation to this seminar and to Mr Zeke Solomon for your warm words of introduction. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Minister Downer, who is sharing his valuable time with us tonight, and has made some valuable opening remarks.

And good evening ladies and gentlemen; I am delighted to meet all of you, and to have a chance to address the distinguished members of AsiaLink. I am well aware that since its inception in 1991, AsiaLink has made a great contribution to promoting public awareness of Asia, and facilitating communication between Australians and the peoples of Asia and the Pacific.

(Implementation of the Engagement Policy)

In retrospect it is clear that no region of the world attracted more international attention this year than the Korean Peninsula. During the 50 years since the Korean War, no more positive news has emanated from the Korean Peninsula than emerged this year. The result of the Republic of KoreaÕs engagement policy is that a climate of peace and hope has been created on the Korean Peninsula.

As dramatic and sudden as it may seem, the positive turn of events in this region is the result of the Republic of KoreaÕs consistent and patient promotion of the policy of reconciliation and cooperation towards the North.

On coming to office in February 1998, President Kim Dae-Jung presented a new way of thinking about Inter-Korean relations: as neighbours and brethren, Koreans should live in peace, rather than as hostile enemies. He proclaimed a new policy, his ÔSunshine PolicyÕ, of engagement with North Korea.

This policy aims at restoring and cultivating mutual trust between the two parties, who have been divided for half a century. To achieve this goal, President Kim Dae-jung announced three principles: no tolerance of any military provocations by the North; no attempt on our part to absorb the North; and active promotion of Inter-Korean reconciliation, exchange and cooperation.

The breakthrough was made with the first South-North Korean Summit in mid-June. By adopting the Joint Declaration of June 15, the two leaders confirmed their willingness to engage in dialogue, to put an end to confrontation, and to work together for durable peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Throughout the process, the close trilateral cooperation between the Republic of Korea, the US and Japan played a crucial role. China, Russia and other countries which had been North KoreaÕs allies in the Cold War supported our policy, advising the North to respond to our call for dialogue.

We are also thankful for the cooperation of the international community, including Australia, in helping to bring North Korea into the international arena. North Korea, for its part, has realised that the only way to resolve its economic difficulties is to break out of its self-imposed isolation and respond to our offers to engage in serious talks.

It is a measure of the importance of this ÔSunshine PolicyÕ that the International Community has recognised President KimÕs role in its introduction, and the success it has so far achieved, with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize, which was bestowed in a ceremony in Oslo yesterday, as I speak.

(The Follow-up to the Inter-Korean Summit)

After the Summit, the follow-up measures agreed in the 15 June Declaration have been implemented in various areas.

Firstly, in order to promote Inter-Korean exchange and cooperation, we are holding ministerial talks, as well as working-level talks, on economic cooperation. We are discussing ways to provide for legal and institutional arrangements, such as an agreement to eliminate double taxation, and investment guarantees. The relinking of the Kyungui Railway will also spur economic exchange on the basis of mutual benefit.

Secondly, the first meeting between the South and North Korean Defence Ministers has been held with the aim of reducing tensions and building confidence. The meeting itself was significant in that the top military leaders of the two sides met to discuss preventing once and for all the possibility of another war on the Korean Peninsula. At the next meeting we envisage holding in-depth discussions on concrete confidence-building measures, such as the establishment of a military hot-line, and military exchanges.

Thirdly, we are also actively promoting cooperation on humanitarian issues as well as exchanges in socio-cultural activities. After the initial exchange visit of 200 separated families, we are holding discussions on additional exchanges, and the establishment of a meeting place for these exchanges to take place.

As for cultural exchanges, a performance by the North Korean Symphony Orchestra has taken place in Seoul, talks are under way on holding a Seoul-Pyongyang soccer-match once again, and at the Sydney Olympics we witnessed the entrance of the South and North Korean teams under one flag.

Finally, the next major Summit Meeting is scheduled for next year, with a visit to Seoul by Kim Jong-il. This will be a momentous event in the history of Inter-Korean relations and will set the seal on the process of engagement with the North that the Republic of Korea has undertaken.

(Expanding the Engagement)

The favourable environment created by the South-North Summit has also contributed to the improvement in relations between the allies of South Korea and North Korea. We welcome and encourage our allies to improve their relations with the North. It is our belief that the more North Korea is engaged with others, the less likely it is to shut the door that it has recently begun to open.

For instance the progress of US-North Korean relations reinforces the improvement of South-North relations, for it lessens the NorthÕs concerns about security and the integrity of its regime. We urge both the Americans and the North Koreans to seek improvements in their relations with each other by resolving outstanding issues.

We also welcome North KoreaÕs membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), as well as its normalisation of ties with our allies such as Italy and Australia. We welcome also the recent decision of various European countries to improve relations with North Korea.

(Australia and North Korea)

At this point, I would particularly like to emphasise that my Government appreciates AustraliaÕs constructive role in enhancing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Australia, as one of KoreaÕs major allies, has always strongly supported our policy on reunification. AustraliaÕs continued financial contribution to the Korean Energy Development Organisation (KEDO) illustrates its firm commitment to the Korean Peninsula.

Recently Australia has taken the lead among KoreaÕs allies in helping to bind North Korea more closely to the international community. In line with our engagement policy, Australia restored diplomatic relations with North Korea in May this year. And last month Foreign Minister Downer made a historic visit to North Korea, which was the first by an Australian Foreign Minister since 1975.

During this trip Minister Downer conveyed a clear message to the North Korean leadership that: ÔNorth Korea should broaden engagement with the outside world and continue deepening its engagement with the South to further reduce tensions in the region.Õ As the Korean Ambassador to Australia, I am glad to note that Minister DownerÕs visit added further weight to AustraliaÕs support for our policy of engagement.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the business community of Australia to take a more positive stance towards North Korea.

One might argue that investment in and trade with North Korea are too risky at present in view of the various shortcomings of the North Korean economy, especially its lack of a capitalistic mindset and its poor infrastructure. However, in the long-term North Korea will prove to be an attractive place to do business for Australians, because of its skilled but low-cost workforce, its abundant natural resources and the economic complementarity between the two countries.

I am confident that North Korea will become a rewarding sector for Australian entrepreneurs in the near future. And I can also tell you that the South Korean Government and business-community are ready to share information and know-how with Australians with regard to business opportunities in the North.

(Conclusion)

Over the last two and a half years the task of implementing the engagement policy has not been easy. There were numerous occasions when the situation seemed not to favour engagement. But we stayed on the course of engagement, because of our conviction that it was the right policy, the most effective one for the times.

As time passes the engagement policy is seen to produce more and more positive results. My Government, however, has maintained a prudent approach. As President Kim has stated, we are in no hurry; our goal at this time is not early unification, but the gradual building of foundations upon which eventual unification can be accomplished peacefully.

The culmination of our efforts to engage North Korea will come with the establishment of a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. To attain this goal we will continue to sail uncharted waters with patience and prudence. And at the same time we will do our best to strengthen the close cooperation with our friends. In this regard I have no doubt we can count on AustraliaÕs cooperation and support.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.

Asialink, The University of Melbourne

Korea Update 2000