The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea expressed optimism after comments from newly elected South Korean President Park Chung-hee indicated a willingness on the part of the Republic of Korea to engage in talks and closer diplomatic relations with its northern neighbor.
After her election to the presidency, Park has announced she will pursue a more aggressive course in engagement with the North.
North Korea’s sentiments about the likelihood of a summit with Park Chung-hee were relayed to the media in Beijing by former United States New Mexico state governor Bill Richardson who was with Google’s Eric Schimdt. The two had traveled together to North Korea on a humanitarian mission to free suspected-US spy Kenneth Bae, who is being held in North Korea.
They were unsuccessful in gaining the US citizen’s release.