South, North agree to normalize Gaeseong complex

Chief delegates from South and North Korea shake hands after reaching four-point agreement toward normalization of the industrial complex in Gaeseong early Sunday morning. Yonhap

Officials from South and North Korea agreed to normalize the stalled inter-Korean industrial complex in Gaeseong.

They decided to allow employees of companies in the complex to visit production sites from July 10 to check facilities and equipment to minimize possible loss due to the ongoing rainy season.

The North concurred on the need for the South Korean firms to withdraw end-use products and materials to facilitate the planned normalization. It also promised to guarantee the safe passage of the South Korean people and relevant vehicles.

The agreement came after a 16-hour long marathon meeting held at the Tongilgak (unification pavilion) in the northern side of the border village. The sides finished the meeting at 4:05 a.m. Sunday.

The officials agreed to hold another round of meeting to prevent the possible repetition of suspension of operation of the industrial complex as requested by the South.

The chief delegates from the two sides signed a four-point agreement. “South and North agreed on the need to help resolve the difficulties faced with the companies in the industrial complex and normalize it as soon as possible,” said Seo Ho, representing the South, during a press briefing after the meeting.

With the agreement, the industrial complex will be normalized in 96 days since the North unilaterally took measures to suspend the operation on April 3.

Seo expressed hope that the recent agreement will help cement trust between the two Koreas while facilitating the possible normalization of the industrial complex.