North Korea calls for inter

Pyongyang citizens wave the Korean Unification Flag as they watch vehicles carrying South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un through Pyongyang last year. Korea Times file

By Jung Da-min

North Korea's propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri Monday said the unification of two Koreas was necessary to counter a foreign power, which had been the cause of division of the two Koreas. The foreign power is assumed to be the United States.

"The biggest obstacle on the way to prosperity of our people today is the division of people," the pro-Pyongyang outlet said, in a commentary titled "True patriotism is in struggle for the unification of the country."

The commentary highlighted former leader Kim Jong-il's efforts to promote the unification of two Koreas, including the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration in 2000 and the Oct. 4 Joint Declaration and 2007.

It also said leader Kim Jong-un was making "endless efforts and dedication" to bring about the unification of Korea, encouraging people to follow the doctrines presented in his New Year's speech and make a big step forward in the struggle for unification.

On Sunday, Uriminzokkiri highlighted Kim Jong-un's New Year's speech, arguing it has been recognized as a "conciliatory gesture" in South Korea.

It said inter-Korean cooperation and exchanges needed sweeping expansion this year, to build on last year's efforts.

"Cooperation and exchanges between North and South Korea are never a business for one side but for the unified development, common prosperity and the interests of both sides," it said. "North and South Korea should actively promote multifaceted cooperation and exchanges for the sake of the people."