Top lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party of Korea,... and senior officials from government ministries and the presidential office met this morning... to discuss a series of issues including follow-up measures to the North Korea-U.S. summit held last week.
The meeting comes after the ruling party's landslide victory in the June 13th local elections and by-elections.
For more, we connect to our political correspondent Kim Min-ji on the phone.
Min-ji, can you give us a rundown of what was discussed?
Sure, Ji-yoon.
First of all, as it was the first such meeting since the June 13th local elections,... the participants agreed that they should be modest about its outcome... and that now they need to take greater responsibility for bettering people's livelihoods and working to establish permanent peace on the peninsula.
In regards to the recent inter-Korean talks,... as well as the summit between North Korea and the U.S.,... the groups at the meeting agreed that the latest developments provide the groundwork for lasting peace and denuclearization on the peninsula.
From now on, they said that it was important that any form of inter-Korean talks bring about a positive outcome... and that they can carry out economic cooperation, family reunions and joint participation in sporting events as scheduled.
The ruling party also said that they will call on opposition parties for their cooperation to ratify the summit declaration,... or at least adopt a resolution that supports it.
The three groups also noted the need to step up cooperation with regional players, such as China, Japan and Russia.
On the economy, they promised to work around three goals -- creating a fair economy, and pursuing innovative and income-led growth.
The government said that it will announce a comprehensive plan next month... that will provide customized support and job creation measures for people based on their income-level.
In regards to the introduction of shorter weekly working hours... the government has decided to provide a grace period of six months... in order for small businesses to adjust to the measures.
The officials also agreed to keep the public informed of any planned policies and their effects,... so that they can win their support and understanding.
The ruling party also vowed to normalize parliament as soon as possible in order to pass bills that can boost people's livelihoods.
This has been Kim Min-ji reporting from the National Assembly.
