Moon received a royal welcome when he arrived in Pyongyang
WEB DESK / AGENCIES
South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have wrapped up the first day of official talks in Pyongyang today. Moon is on 3-day visit to North Korea.
The North’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the summit will offer an important opportunity in further accelerating the development of inter-Korean relations. Denuclearization of the peninsula was top of the agenda. “The Pyongyang summit aimed at implementing the Panmunjom declaration for peace, prosperity and reunification of the Korean peninsula will offer an important opportunity in further accelerating the development of inter-Korean relations that is making a new history”, Writes N Korea official media..
This was the third summit between the two. Ahead of the discussions, Moon Jae-in signed a visitor’s book writing, “We Koreans have one mind to move toward peace and prosperity.”
At the meeting, Kim Jong Un said the inter-Korean relationship and ties between the US and the North have improved because of Moon’s efforts. He added he expects more positive things to come.
Moon replied he appreciates Kim’s decision to move forward with a new era. The two leaders were joined by the heads of South Korea’s National Security and Intelligence Service.
On the North Korea’s side, a vice chairman of the ruling party and Kim’s sister were in attendance.
Earlier in the day, Moon and Kim spoke in front of cameras.
Moon said, “We were welcomed very passionately, by the citizens out on the street as well as the people waving from apartment buildings. We were touched. We were deeply moved.”
Kim said, “The enthusiastic welcome for President Moon shows that Koreans are yearning for fast progress as we achieved this year. We will not fail the hopes and expectations of the people in both Koreas. We shall take even faster steps. “
Moon then said, “The citizens of Pyongyang welcomed us so passionately. If people in South Korea see this, they will be deeply touched too. And they will expect great achievements from this meeting.”
Moon received a royal welcome when he arrived Tuesday morning.
The North’s leader showed up to greet him at the airport.
It’s the first time Moon has visited Pyongyang as president. He was greeted by crowds waving unified Korean flags.
There were more crowds lining the streets to cheer on the motorcade.
Moon has said his 3-day visit will focus on easing military tensions between the two Koreas and supporting dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.