Brussels, 20/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton welcomes the recent positive developments in the inter-Korean dialogue, and especially the agreement on re-opening the joint industrial park in Kaesong and the resumption of family reunions, Ashton's spokesperson stated on 19 August. Pleased that the dialogue seems to be bearing fruit, Ashton encourages North Korea and South Korea to continue the dialogue and their cooperation so as to build trust and improve peace and security on the Korean peninsula. “Honouring past bilateral and multilateral commitments is a good way to promote trust and peace building”, she added.
On 18 August, Pyongyang accepted Seoul's proposal to resume the reunions of families separated by the Korean war 60 years ago. Four days earlier, North Korea announced that it had concluded an agreement with its southern neighbour on re-opening the industrial park in Kaesong, which has been closed for four months. (CG/transl.fl)