Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Relations north-south in the sector of humanitarian aid and co-operation for development continue along a track of reciprocal collaboration which spells well for national reconciliation among the two Koreas. In this sensitive process the Catholic Church is making an important contribution: recently a delegation of Caritas Korea paid a visit to Pyongyang to meet local authorities and discuss with the N. Korean National Association for Economic Co-operation, progress achieved in a programme of food aid and co-operation for development started some years ago. The meeting called by the vice president of the Association Kim Choon Gun was attended by Caritas Korea staff members and representatives of the Rome based Caritas Internationalis.
The participants agreed on the importance to continue assistance and healthcare co-operation to support Pyongyang Peoples Hospital and other medical institutes which provide free treatment to the weakest and most disadvantaged sectors of the population.
The meeting confirmed Caritas commitment to offer technical means for farming, potatoes and cereal seed: the parties expressed the hope that co-operation in this strategic sector may continue and intensify and deal ever more effectively with the persisting food emergency in North Korea, affecting mainly women, children and the elderly.
On a mandate and representing Caritas Internationalis, as from 1 January 2007, Caritas South Korea assumed responsibility for programme for development in co-operation with North Korea. The official hand over from Caritas Hong Kong was trouble free. Fr Paul Hwang, Caritas Korea national director said the delegations exchanged letters of intent and formulised agreements on medium and long term, programmes. Caritas reaffirmed its mission to carry aid where it is needed. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/4/2007 righe 27 parole 271)
