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South Korean President Moon Jae-in and first lady Kim Jung-sook and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and first lady Ri Sol-ju raise their glasses during a summer dinner in a Pyongyang restaurant on Sept. 18. (photo pool)
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Two leaders explore military, economic, social and cultural methods for eliminating fear of war
South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced plans to “seriously discuss ways of completely resolving military tensions and eliminating the fear of war between South and North” during a Sept. 18 dinner event for the inter-Korean summit. Delivering a toast at a dinner event that evening at the Mokrangwan restaurant in Pyongyang following his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un earlier in the afternoon, Moon said the two would “seriously discuss ways of achieving substantive development in all areas – military, economic, social, and cultural – and completely resolving military tensions and eliminating the fear of war between South and North.” “The complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of peace are also important topics. We will be sketching a broader picture for permanent peace and for peace and prosperity,” he continued. “This is an utterly new resolution, and we may face various challenges and difficulties. But there is trust and friendship between Chairman Kim Jong-un and me,” he added. “If we look at things from the other side’s perspective and show understanding and consideration for one another, there are no difficulties we cannot overcome.” Moon further stressed the strong bonds of trust established between the two leaders. “Chairman Kim and I have walked over the Military Demarcation Line and back hand-in-hand like an affectionate couple,” he said. In a welcoming address prior to Moon’s remarks, Kim said, “I am gratified not only that the historical first step that we began at Panmunjom have boldly ushered the Korean people out of the mire of distrust and confrontation toward reconciliation, peace, and prosperity, and that we are now proudly entering a new era of national reconciliation, peace, and prosperity that no one can stop.” “Now that we have made this good start, we must carry on this new history of peace and prosperity, ensuring there are only blossoms spring days and rich fruits in North-South relations,” he continued.
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South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un greet the audience at an art performance at Pyongyang Grand Theatre on Sept. 18. (photo pool)
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