EKIP– Expert Club for Economics and Politics A Different Opinion
Washington's statements, such as that of Vice President Mike Pence, that the United States is ready for dialogue with North Korea, are positive in light of the tensions that have arisen over the past year, caused by Pyongyang's series of ballistic missile tests and the US's massive military exercises on the Korean Peninsula.
This was commented to Ivaylo Lakov in "The World is Business" by macroeconomist from EKIP Nikola Filipov.
"This is a positive step towards peace. The question here, however, is whether this peace is achievable and, if so, within what timeframe."
According to the expert, it is very important to take into account the economic situation of the North and South - while in the DPRK the GDP per capita is around $1,700, in South Korea this indicator is nearly $40,000.
"Of course, it is too early to talk about unification, but even if there is one, it will be extremely painful," Filipov added, pointing out that the issue of possible unification does not depend so much on Pyongyang and Seoul, but rather on Washington and Beijing.
"Such a unification would fundamentally change the geopolitical balance in the region, but we are still very far from such a thing. The positive thing, however, is that we already have some dialogue, we are observing a de-escalation of tensions, we are moving away from the possibility of war," the guest in the studio reported.
A number of other important foreign policy topics were also discussed during the conversation.
Original publication: Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
