FM Cho says Pyongyang may respond to Seoul administration's peace overtures

▲ Foreign Minister Cho Hyun speaks during a U.N. meeting in this undated photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

FM-N Korea

FM Cho says Pyongyang may respond to Seoul administration's peace overtures

SEOUL, Sept. 29 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Monday that Pyongyang may respond to the new Seoul administration's continued overtures for peace, citing North Korea's dispatch of a diplomatic delegation to the 80th session of the U.N. General Assembly last week.

Cho made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster MBC after returning from the U.N. gathering held in New York last week, where he accompanied President Lee Jae Myung.

When asked about the North Korean delegation's participation, Cho said the move could be understood as Pyongyang's intention to engage in dialogue with the international community.

"So (we) think there could be a response to the messages sent out by the Lee Jae Myung government on easing inter-Korean military tensions, building trust and ultimately establishing peace," Cho said. "Although small, there are also activities (for a response) being detected."

Regarding possible talks between Pyongyang and Washington on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea late next month, Cho said preparations were being made while taking into account various possibilities.

Cho also said efforts are being made to reach a deal in tariff negotiations with Washington "based on principles" before the APEC summit, while noting that Seoul cannot accept terms that go "against national interests or are irrational."

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