Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae has called on senior U.S. lawmakers for Washington’s support and cooperation in Seoul’s policies on North Korea, including efforts toward preparing for unification.
 
Ryoo made the call Wednesday while meeting with the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ed Royce, along with the chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, Steve Chabot, and others.
 
As the lawmakers offered advice during the meeting, Royce said Seoul and Washington must seek ways for the people of North Korea to acquire more information about the world outside of the communist country. He noted that communication through broadcasting played a key role in Germany’s unification.
 
Chabot, on his part, said he highly regards President Park Geun-hye’s unification bonanza vision and preparations for unification. He said the North’s regime must first change but signs of such change have yet to be seen.
 
At the meeting, Senator Marco Rubio stressed that Seoul and Washington must maintain close cooperation in security and economy while boosting ties with China and Japan. Congressman Rangel said he believes Seoul and Washington must make progress in addressing North Korea-related issues by dividing roles, adding that China and Russia’s cooperation are also needed.