S. Korea to pursue peaceful resolution to N.K. issue, 'turning point' for permanent peace

SEOUL, Aug. 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will continue to push for a peaceful resolution to North Korea's nuclear stalemate and also seek a "turning point" in efforts to establish permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula, the country's top diplomat said Wednesday.

Underling the importance of a "watertight" alliance with the United States in addressing the North's nuclear problem, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha also emphasized the need for stepped-up communication with China and Russia, expecting their "constructive" role.

"While maintaining watertight coordination with the U.S. on every matter related to the North's nuclear problem, we will make efforts for a peaceful resolution by preventing the North's nuclear and missile provocations, and trying to bring it back to denuclearization talks," Kang said during her policy briefing to President Moon Jae-in.

"Based on strong coordination with the U.S., we will double our efforts to create an environment for a possible resumption of denuclearization talks ... and strengthen strategic communication with China and Russia to induce their continued constructive role," she added.

Meanwhile, Kang explained her ministry's policy direction on the so-called people's diplomacy aimed at expanding communication with ordinary people and building consensus before pushing for policies.

For that matter, she said that the ministry will strengthen its platform where people can express their opinions on major government policies.

Kang added that the ministry will launch a safety center early next year that will operate around the clock to better protect Korean people living or traveling overseas and more swiftly take necessary countermeasures.

kokobj@yna.co.kr
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