Two Koreas Set to Discuss Construction of Cross-border Rail Line

Seoul and Pyongyang are set to hold the second inter-Korean economic cooperation committee meeting at Hotel Grand Hilton Seoul on August 28 to discuss a wide range of issues such as completing construction of a cross-border railway, offering food aid to the North, reinforcing Imjin River dam and building an industrial complex in northern city of Gaesung. The two sides are expected to work out differences throughout discussions and focus on concrete agreements.

The North Korean delegation led by Park Chang-ryon, senior member of the National Planning Committee, arrived at Incheon International Airport in the afternoon of the 27th on Asiana flight OZ332.

In a statement released after their arrival, the North delegates said that they hope to “have cordial discussions to make concrete agreements.” They further emphasized, “We must work together for prosperity and reunification of united Korea by promoting cooperation over the wall of division.”

South and North delegations looked around Grand Hilton where they will stay during talks before attending a dinner hosted by Deputy Minister of Reunification Jung Se-hyun later on the day.

Meanwhile, Won Dong-yon, Deputy Director of North Korea’s Reunification Agency who chaired the 1992 high-ranking joint military committee meeting, is reportedly among North Korean delegates.

“Given his presence, we expect Pyongyang to soften its hard stance on touchy military issues, a major huddle to construction of a rail line and roads,” said a government official.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com