North Korea's parliament has decided to cancel laws concerning economic cooperation with South Korea, according to state media reports on Thursday. This move comes as relations between the two countries have reached a new low point.
The relationship between North and South Korea has been increasingly strained. North Korea has been focusing on advancing its weapons programs, while South Korea has been strengthening military ties with the United States and Japan. As a result, major economic projects between the two Koreas have been suspended for several years.
During a recent meeting of the Supreme People's Assembly, officials voted unanimously to abolish the law related to economic cooperation between North and South Korea. This decision follows North Korea's recent declaration of South Korea as its main enemy and the dismantling of agencies dedicated to reunification. Additionally, there have been threats of military action against the South.
The parliament also voted to eliminate a special law governing the Mount Kumgang tourism project, which was once a significant symbol of cooperation between the two Koreas. The Mount Kumgang resort, located on one of North Korea's picturesque mountains, was built by South Korea's Hyundai Asan and used to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from the South. However, tourism came to an abrupt halt in 2008 after a North Korean soldier fatally shot a South Korean tourist who had strayed from the designated path.
The Mount Kumgang resort and the Kaesong Industrial Complex were two major economic projects between North and South Korea. The Kaesong Industrial Complex, where South Korean companies employed North Korean workers, was shut down in 2016 by South Korea in response to North Korea's nuclear and missile tests.
North Korea's decision to end economic cooperation with the South could have implications for its tourism industry, which has been struggling due to border closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, restarting tourism could also violate international sanctions imposed on North Korea for its nuclear and missile programs.
Reports suggest that Russian tourists may visit North Korea soon, indicating a potential shift in Pyongyang's international alliances.
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