PM, Washington Gov. discuss inter-Korean deal

SEOUL, Aug. 31 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and visiting Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Monday discussed an inter-Korean deal struck last week.

The two Koreas reached a landmark deal last week to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula. In the agreement, North Korea "expressed regret" over the recent injury of South Korean soldiers in the explosion of landmines laid by North Korea in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas.

Seoul accused Pyongyang of secretly burying the mines in a pre-planned military provocation.

"The two countries closely worked together in dealing with North Korea's landmine provocations," Hwang told the governor during the meeting with the Washington Governor.

The PM further said that "the United States is Republic of Korea's (South Korea's) closest ally and the core of Northeast Asia's peace."

The governor's visit would lead to more trade between Washington and S. Korea, the sixth largest export market to the state, Hwang noted.

Gov. Inslee, who is in the country on a four-day visit, met with a number of government officials and business leaders.

khj@yna.co.kr
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