The Unification Ministry stated that it is committed to the 'healthcare cooperation package' aimed at modernizing local hospitals in North Korea, emphasizing that this initiative will proceed consistently regardless of the political situation.
During a regular briefing on the 14th, the ministry addressed concerns regarding medical support for North Korea in light of recent missile launches.
The 'healthcare cooperation package' is part of the ministry's 'four major peace exchange projects.' It aims to improve medical conditions at local hospitals in North Korea, with plans to provide 166 types of medical equipment necessary for diagnosis, surgery, and treatment to the Gangdong Hospital in Pyongyang.
Gangdong Hospital is a facility that was completed in November of last year as part of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's '20x10 local development policy.'
The ministry explained that it received an exemption from UN Security Council sanctions for the medical equipment support in May. It added, "We are prepared to commence the related project immediately if there is a positive response from the North."
Regarding funding, the ministry indicated that it would utilize the inter-Korean cooperation fund but noted that it could not confirm the amount of support at this time.
Meanwhile, the ministry commented on North Korea's recent public disclosure of a long-range artillery and missile unit's coordinated fire drill conducted on the 12th, stating, "Since the National Security Office has already provided a relevant position, there is nothing further for the Unification Ministry to evaluate."
According to the Korean Central News Agency, five artillery and missile units participated in the drill, which involved the use of attack drones, strategic cruise missiles, large-caliber multiple rocket launchers, and tactical ballistic missiles.
This training news was reported only by the external media outlet, Korean Central News Agency, and was not covered in the Rodong Sinmun, which is read by North Korean citizens. During the ballistic missile launches on the 6th, 12th, and 20th of last month, North Korean media also did not report on the events.
The Unification Ministry noted that there have been past instances of discrepancies in media coverage and stated that there are no unusual developments. Regarding the timing of the reports, it mentioned, "It is typical to report the day after a military exercise, but there are also cases where reports are delayed," and it will continue to monitor related trends.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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