The Ministry of Unification on March 19 at Government Complex-Seoul in the capital's Jongno-gu District holds the first meeting this year of its committee on the development of inter-Korean ties chaired by Minister Chung Dongyoung (right) to review the draft of the fifth basic plan for advancing relations with North Korea. (Ministry of Unification)

By Kang Gahui

The Ministry of Unification has released a five-year blueprint for the development of inter-Korean ties based on a policy of peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.

The ministry on March 19 reviewed the fifth basic plan to that effect in the first meeting of the year of its committee for developing inter-Korean ties chaired by Minister Chung Dongyoung.

Under the vision of "peaceful coexistence and joint growth" on the peninsula, the strategy has three major goals, three principles and six key tasks. Unlike the previous plan that prioritized denuclearization, the latest stresses peaceful coexistence.

The three goals of the latest plan are institutionalizing peaceful coexistence between both Koreas; setting the foundation for joint growth on the peninsula, and achieving a region free from war and nuclear weapons. The three principles are respecting the North's regime, not pursuing reunification through absorption and refraining from hostile acts.

The six tasks are reestablishing inter-Korean relations for reconciliation and cooperation and institutionalizing peaceful coexistence; resolving the North's nuclear issue and advancing the peace regime on the peninsula; promoting symbiotic exchange and cooperation; lessening the suffering caused by division and taking on humanitarian issues; laying the basis for a peaceful economy and joint growth on the peninsula; and promoting public participation and global cooperation.

The ministry will finalize the fifth plan through meetings of vice ministers and the Cabinet, report it to the National Assembly and release it to the public.

kgh89@korea.kr