We are in ‘desperate need’ for ways to improve ties

There is a "desperate need" for practical ways to improve ties with North Korea, the South's President Moon Jae-in said yesterday, adding that he was ready to meet with the reclusive leader in Pyongyang repeatedly if necessary.

Moon, sidelined from his leading role in the diplomatic effort with North Korea in 2018, said he regretted the past year's lack of progress in negotiations.

In an annual New Year's speech in Seoul, Moon called for new talks with Kim Jong Un, and vowed to keep up work to facilitate US-North Korea communication.

"In a time of deadlock in US-North Korea talks - and where we are even concerned about a step backward in inter-Korean relations - we are in desperate need of practical ways to improve inter-Korean cooperation," he said.

He also said he would continue to push for restarting the Kaesong Industrial Complex and tours to Mt Kumgang, and mentioned border cooperation without elaborating. He added the joint 2032 Olympics bid would be a unifying event, as would completing the inter-Korean railroad.

"We want to make an era where separation is no longer a roadblock for peace and prosperity for South and North Korea," he said.

North Korea has been unresponsive to other recent overtures from Seoul, and cooperation projects between the neighbours have stalled in the face of international sanctions that bar most business with the North.

Pyongyang has expressed frustration at what it calls Washington's lack of flexibility, while US officials say it must take more concrete steps to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes before sanctions are eased.

"The momentum for U.S.-North Korea talks must continue," Moon said. "Provocations and threats are not helpful for anyone."

Over the New Year, Kim said he planned to further develop nuclear programmes and introduce a "new strategic weapon" in the near future, though he signalled there was still room for dialogue with the United States.