1. On the occasion of the 2013 meeting of consuls-general of the Republic of Korea, the Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Lee Kyung-soo presided over a working breakfast for consuls-general who handle affairs related to North Korean asylum seekers. The event served as an opportunity to discuss ways for relevant overseas missions to better handle overall affairs involving North Korean asylum seekers, including their protection and transport.

2. In the meeting, the participants shared with each other how relevant matters are handled at their respective missions and what their challenges are, which helped them better understand the overall situation of the affairs. In addition, they took the opportunity to hold an in-depth discussion on ways to improve the current system.

° The officials shared the view that as the positions and situations of countries where North Korean asylum seekers are staying are different, there is a need to build a cooperation network tailored to each country’s diverse situations. They also shared the understanding that communication among individuals and groups associated with North Korean asylum seekers should be strengthened in order for them to deal with relevant matters with prudence and a sense of responsibility.

3. The Foreign Ministry has continued to make efforts to complement and improve the system for the protection of North Korean asylum seekers in third countries and bringing them to the ROK. It will continue doing its best in relevant affairs by building on the outcome of the meeting in order to provide practical assistance to North Korean asylum seekers. 


                                 Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

* unofficial translation