Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon speaks during the Korea Forum 2018 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul. / Korea Times photo by Hong In-ki

By Jung Min-ho

Unless North Korea completely abandons its nuclear weapons program, South Korea will not seek economic cooperation, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said Thursday.

"There are more than 30 economic projects the two Koreas can do, including the one that would connect and modernize the Donghae and Gyeongui train lines and roads. We can start some of them immediately," Cho said during Korea Forum 2018 at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul.

"Some people say the government may be looking at the current situation too positively. But we aren't completely optimistic. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also said there will be many challenges ahead. It's important to keep looking forward and overcome the challenges step by step."

One of the biggest obstacles to bringing peace to the Korean Peninsula is that all the nations involved in the issue have different interests and agendas.

Thus, he said, it is important for the two Koreas to work closely together to take the lead in resolving the pending issues and determining their own fate.

"To do that, the two Koreas must trust each other, which has to be restored through interactions," Cho said.

He noted the South Korean government will tread carefully and steadily and try not to repeat the mistakes of the past. He also urged the international community and people of Korea to support the effort for peace.

"President Moon Jae-in said we won't go back to where we were. I will try my best to ensure that," Cho said.
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