By Yi Whan-woo
Russian companies are interested in setting up shop at the inter-Korean industrial park in Gaeseong, North Korea, according to Moscow's Ambassador to Seoul Alexander Timonin, Thursday.
During a media interview at the Russian Embassy, he said Russia is ready to take an active part at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC).
The GIC is a joint industrial park that has served as a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliatory efforts since it opened in 2004.
He also cited that the country is discussing a number of projects in relation to running businesses there.
Timonin said one of the proposed projects is related to food production, adding that the idea was brought up by ethnic Korean entrepreneurs in Russia.
Under the bilateral agreement between the two Koreas, the South has been running a help desk in Seoul since September 2013 to support foreign investors who are interested in launching businesses in the GIC. All 124 companies currently operating plants at the park are from South Korea.
Timonin also told reporters that Moscow is also considering setting up a natural gas pipeline between Russia's Fast East and South Korea via North Korea, saying such a line would serve as an "energy bridge."
The gas pipeline and the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) connecting Russia to South Korea via North Korea are seen as two pivotal projects for energy-rich Russia to expand its economic partnerships with the two Koreas.
The Russian envoy speculated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is likely to visit Moscow in May to attend the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's part in the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
"His participation was confirmed maybe through diplomatic channels, the details of which aren't always disclosed," he said.
Kim's possible presence at the victory parade on May 9 has drawn attention because Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who are the subject of considerable international criticism, are expected to capitalize on the event to enhance ties between the two countries.
President Park Geun-hye was among the heads of states, including U.S. President Barack Obama that Putin also invited.
Park instead decided to send Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker as a presidential envoy.
Timonin said Moscow respects President Park Geun-hye's decision not to attend the Victory Day ceremony.
He added that the decision won't affect bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Timonin expressed concerns over possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), an advanced U.S. missile defense system, on Korean soil.
He made clear the country is opposed to deployment of THAAD in regions close to Russia.
According to Timonin, Sending THAAD is a very complex matter involving military and political affairs, and it's critical to consider the negative impact such a deployment can bring to the region.
China especially has been concerned that the disputed anti-ballistic missile defense system could be used for spying on its territory rather than deterring North Korea's military threat.
The Russian envoy underscored the importance of resuming the dormant six-party talks that are aimed at denuclearizing North Korea. The two Koreas and Russia are among the party members, along with the U.S., China and Japan.
Timonin also urged Seoul to resume inter-Korean dialogue with Pyongyang amid frayed ties between the two countries.
"I am certain that the peoples of the two countries, who wish for unification, can find a way to approach and cooperate with each other," he said.
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Alexander Timonin |
During a media interview at the Russian Embassy, he said Russia is ready to take an active part at the Gaeseong Industrial Complex (GIC).
The GIC is a joint industrial park that has served as a symbol of inter-Korean reconciliatory efforts since it opened in 2004.
He also cited that the country is discussing a number of projects in relation to running businesses there.
Timonin said one of the proposed projects is related to food production, adding that the idea was brought up by ethnic Korean entrepreneurs in Russia.
Under the bilateral agreement between the two Koreas, the South has been running a help desk in Seoul since September 2013 to support foreign investors who are interested in launching businesses in the GIC. All 124 companies currently operating plants at the park are from South Korea.
Timonin also told reporters that Moscow is also considering setting up a natural gas pipeline between Russia's Fast East and South Korea via North Korea, saying such a line would serve as an "energy bridge."
The gas pipeline and the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) connecting Russia to South Korea via North Korea are seen as two pivotal projects for energy-rich Russia to expand its economic partnerships with the two Koreas.
The Russian envoy speculated that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is likely to visit Moscow in May to attend the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's part in the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
"His participation was confirmed maybe through diplomatic channels, the details of which aren't always disclosed," he said.
Kim's possible presence at the victory parade on May 9 has drawn attention because Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who are the subject of considerable international criticism, are expected to capitalize on the event to enhance ties between the two countries.
President Park Geun-hye was among the heads of states, including U.S. President Barack Obama that Putin also invited.
Park instead decided to send Rep. Yoon Sang-hyun of the ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker as a presidential envoy.
Timonin said Moscow respects President Park Geun-hye's decision not to attend the Victory Day ceremony.
He added that the decision won't affect bilateral relations.
Meanwhile, Timonin expressed concerns over possible deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), an advanced U.S. missile defense system, on Korean soil.
He made clear the country is opposed to deployment of THAAD in regions close to Russia.
According to Timonin, Sending THAAD is a very complex matter involving military and political affairs, and it's critical to consider the negative impact such a deployment can bring to the region.
China especially has been concerned that the disputed anti-ballistic missile defense system could be used for spying on its territory rather than deterring North Korea's military threat.
The Russian envoy underscored the importance of resuming the dormant six-party talks that are aimed at denuclearizing North Korea. The two Koreas and Russia are among the party members, along with the U.S., China and Japan.
Timonin also urged Seoul to resume inter-Korean dialogue with Pyongyang amid frayed ties between the two countries.
"I am certain that the peoples of the two countries, who wish for unification, can find a way to approach and cooperate with each other," he said.
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