Series of inter-Korean talks set for this week

On Monday and Tuesday, working-level discussions on economic cooperation will be held in Seoul and defense ministers' talks will be staged in Jeju, respectively.

In the economic cooperation meeting, discussions will be held on the establishment of systematic assurance devices such as investment assurance, a double taxation avoidance treaty, settlement and dispute/arbitration. The North is expected to mention the size of the subsistence support and the timing of delivery. At around the same time, a meeting between the South and North Korean defense ministers will take place in Jeju Lotte Hotel, where they will discuss issues related to the restoration of the Gyeongui railroad line and military cooperation problems related to the construction of a 4-lane highway connecting Munsan and Gaeseong. From the 27th to the 30th, the 3rd North-South ministerial level talks will be held in Jeju. The main focus of the meetings will be examining current accomplishments and future plans.

There are views that the rapid progression of North-South talks is rather precarious. As was noted at the second Red Cross meeting held on Mt. Geumgang Saturday, there were some difficulties due to lack of preparation, and there are concerns that zeal has overpassed ability. The last week of September will be a time to organize events that have transpired in relation to North-South dialogue, which has taken place at breakneck speed.