1. Main page
  2. Information Center
  3. Government News

Government News

NK leader expresses 'unwavering respect' for President Moon
Source
KOREA.net
Date
2022.12.07

Leaders of the two Koreas have exchanged autographed letters ahead of President Moon Jae-in leaving office next month in which they reaffirmed their efforts toward peace on the Korean Peninsula and eventual reunification.


In a news briefing at Chunchugwan Press Center, Cheong Wa Dae Spokesperson Park Kyung-mee on April 22 said President Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, whose official title is chairman of the State Affairs Commission, recently exchanged friendly letters.


Earlier that morning, the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also reported the same news.


"Looking back over the last five years, (the two leaders) through the letter exchange shared the understanding that they are continuing efforts toward peace and unification of the Korean Peninsula based on through mutual trust and dialogue, and delivered warm greetings to all brethren in both South and North Korea," the spokesperson said.


Chairman Kim was quoted as saying in his letter, "The days we spent together for peace and prosperity left a deep impression," adding, "Though unable to get to our destination, we did produce historic declarations and agreements to serve as milestones in inter-Korean relations, an indelible achievement."


"Regrets remain when looking back, but if the two Koreas unreservedly continue their best efforts based on hard work, my unwavering belief is that inter-Korean relations can be improved and developed to meet the expectations of the people."


The chairman said, "We highly value and respect President Moon's agony, hard work and passion for the cause of the people until the end of his term," adding, "We will never forget President Moon and will unwaveringly respect him after he leaves office."


In his autographed letter sent to Chairman Kim on April 20, President Moon said, "Sad moments intersect with thrilling memories, but I believe that Chairman Kim and I by joining hands have taken a clear step forward to change the destiny of the Korean Peninsula."


Expressing regret over the failure of inter-Korean dialogue to reach its desired goal, the president was quoted as saying he hoped that dialogue transcends the age of confrontation and for the North and the U.S. to resume talks as soon as possible.


"Making progress in dialogue is now the task of the next administration, and I hope that Chairman Kim maintains the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula and engage in inter-Korean cooperation," President Moon added.  


"Results achieved by the two Koreas such as the declarations of Panmunjeom and Pyeongyang and the September 19 Military Agreement must serve as fertilizer for unification. I will always believe and await the efforts of both Koreas to be revived as valuable momentum for peace on the Korean Peninsula."


Spokesperson Park said, "This inter-Korean exchange of letters was based on the deep trust between both leaders," adding, "We hope that this final letter exchange of the Moon Jae-in administration will serve as the foundation for future development in inter-Korean relations."


The KCNA also called the letter exchange "an expression of deep trust."


It added, "The two leaders agreed that if both sides continue efforts and have hope, inter-Korean relations will improve and develop to meet the people's desires and expectations."



By Yoon Sojung

arete@korea.kr