2020 DMZ Forum ended with powerful messages of peace and hope to Korea. Gyeonggi proivnce has suggested 4 goals for peace.
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ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE |
Gyeonggi Province held DMZ
Forum 2020 for two days from September 17 to 18 to publicize the value of the
DMZ where division and peace coexist. Due to the COVID-19 situation, this
year’s forum was held online under the theme of "DMZ Wants Peace."
DMZ Forum 2020 was one of four events held under the Let’s DMZ title. The other
events include Live in DMZ, DMZ RUN, and the DMZ International Documentary Film
Festival; these events are held annually to share a message of peace with the
world.
The DMZ Forum is an academic
event designed to foster international discussions of peace and cooperation on
the Korean Peninsula and the co-prosperity of international civil society. Gyeonggi
Province Governor, Liberian Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee, a 2011
Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Professor Joseph Nye of Harvard University, who
served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security
Affairs under the Clinton administration, attended the forum and gave keynote
speeches. Also, 90 panelists including scholars, experts, and peace NGO
representatives from home and abroad took part in 16 sessions to discuss ways
in which to promote the spirit of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Participants
included Moon Chung-in, Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and National
Security to Korean President Moon Jae-in, and Kathleen Stephens, former U.S.
Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
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Considering the Corona 19 situation, everyone could participate safely online (www.dmzforum) ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE |
Governor said in his keynote
speech that Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to foster an era of peace and
prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, and proposed five cooperation projects with
North Korea:
1) joint quarantine and
medical cooperation between the two Koreas;
2) cooperation in the
management of the Imjin River water system;
3) joint inter-Korean
investigation of and research on projects that are closely related to the
Gyeonggi border area;
4) joint forest restoration
project between the two Koreas and a comprehensive rural development project;
and
5) launch of a flood recovery
support project for North Korea.
Governor said in his
opening keynote speech, “We must stimulate our daily lives to be positive and
for lasting peace, not passive or unstable. Achieving prosperity on this
foundation, these are the imperatives of today.”
He also said, “Gyeonggi
Province is the largest local autonomy in Korea and also where part of the DMZ
is located. As such, Gyeonggi Province is the place most affected by inter-Korean
relations. Therefore, we have a great sense of mission and responsibility for
the development of inter-Korean relations and the establishment of peace on the
Korean Peninsula. Through inter-Korean exchanges, we intend to restore trust
and establish peace, thereby taking the path of prosperity. I believe this is
good for both South and North Korea.” He then proposed the following five
cooperation projects with the North:
First, he proposed the
establishment of a joint medical and health quarantine center in the Kaepung
and Kaesong areas, saying “As seen with African swine fever and COVID-19,
infectious diseases cannot be stopped by borders. To prevent losses and ensure
the safety of all Koreans, it is necessary to establish a joint defense cooperation
system between the two Koreas.”
Second, Governor proposed
cooperation in the management of the Imjin River water system. He explained
that such cooperation would help prevent flood damage in South Korea while also
aiding in the prevention of dry seasons and water shortages in North Korea.
Third, Governor suggested
that research should be conducted to create a peace park in which citizens of
the two Koreas may freely travel in connection with Kaesong and Panmunjom in
the DMZ, stressing, “It is time to resume the South-North Joint Waterway Survey
of the Han River Estuary and implement the creation of a Yellow Sea Joint
Special Economic Zone as mutually agreed upon.”
Fourth, he mentioned that
Gyeonggi Province was the first Korean local autonomy to receive exemption from
United Nations sanctions for tree nursery and smart greenhouse projects in the
North, and proposed the resumption of consultations on the establishment of the
Kaepung Nursuries and Exemplary Farm Towns as worries about sanctions against
North Korea have dissipated.
Lastly, Governor said,
“Due to this year’s record monsoon season and typhoons, I know that damage in
the North has been very serious. As one people, it is natural for us to help
our compatriots in difficult times. In 1984, when we suffered from major
flooding, the North provided relief supplies without any conditions. Gyeonggi
Province will join the flood recovery efforts of the North unconditionally.”
Governor concluded his speech by saying, “Gyeonggi is ready to talk anytime, anywhere. North Korea's participation is indispensable in realizing the aforementioned proposals. I also implore the Korean National Assembly to show our commitment to peace and cooperation by promptly addressing pertinent issues, such as the enactment of anti-Pyongyang leaflet measures and the ratification of the North-South Summit.”
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