China expresses support for DPRK-ROK deal on industrial park

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday expressed China's support for the agreement reached by the Democratic People Republic Korea (DPRK) and South Korea on the Kaesong Industrial Zone (KIZ).

China was glad to see the two sides strike the deal to reopen the KIZ, Wang said during talks with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se over the phone.

Expressing China's support for the advancement in relations between the DPRK and South Korea, Wang said that the progress manifested the positive will of both sides to improve bilateral ties.

It also laid a foundation for their future efforts in strengthening mutual trust and promoting reconciliation and cooperation, he said.

China has, as always, supported dialogue and contact between the two sides, Wang said.

The situation on the Korean Peninsula is at a crucial juncture, said the Chinese foreign minister, who urged all related parties to seize this opportunity to promote the alleviation of the situation and create conditions for the resumption of the six-party talks.

The six-party talks, which involve the DPRK, South Korea, Japan, China, the United States and Russia, was launched in 2003 but stalled in December 2008.

It is important that South Korea and the DPRK take the first step to break the impasse and ease the tension on the peninsula, Wang said, adding that he hopes South Korea will, as always, follow the path of dialogue and reconciliation.

Yun, for his part, said that South Korea will remain committed to improving ties with the DPRK. He also expressed appreciation for China's efforts to this end.

Also on Friday, a senior Chinese Foreign Ministry official held a telephone conversation with DPRK Ambassador to China Chi Chae Ryong. They voiced welcome and support for the agreement to reopen the KIZ.

Launched in late 2004, the KIZ, jointly managed by South Korea and the DPRK, has been seen as one of the key symbols of economic cooperation between the two countries.

Operation of 123 South Korean companies in the complex, however, has been suspended since Pyongyang pulled out 53,000 workers from the industrial zone in April.