Prime Minister Han Sung-sook: "We Will Steadily Build a Foundation for Peaceful Coexistence"

Prime Minister Han Sung-sook said at the 44th Presidential Cup Athletic Competition for People from the Five Northern Provinces, held Sunday morning at Hyochang Stadium in Yongsan District, Seoul, that "we will steadily build a foundation for peaceful coexistence so that the door to inter-Korean dialogue can open and we can once again speak of peace and shared prosperity." Han noted that "division remains a reality before us, and the pain of loss and separation is still ongoing," saying the wounds of division among people from the northern provinces have yet to heal. She emphasized that "our efforts to open a path for South and North to coexist in peace through dialogue and cooperation, rather than hostility and confrontation, cannot stop."

The annual event brings together displaced people and those with ties to the North in a gathering of unity. Addressing attendees, Han paid tribute and expressed gratitude, calling them "the leading figures of our modern history who overcame the ravages of war and achieved South Korea's industrialization and democratization."

Han said, "The spirit of solidarity and harmony shown by the people from the northern provinces and those with family in the North is a precious force for opening an era of new exchange and cooperation," adding, "I believe you will lend great strength to binding our people together and building a peace regime." The remarks were delivered at an official event related to separated families and people from the northern provinces, and stressed the intent to lay the groundwork for dialogue and cooperation.