UN welcomes inter-Korean summit, ready to offer assistance

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‍The Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have agreed to hold a summit attended by their leaders late next month, ROK President Moon Jae-in's top security adviser said Tuesday on the outcome of his trip to the DPRK, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The third inter-Korean summit between Moon and the DPRK leader Kim Jong Un will be held at the joint security area of Panmunjeom, Chung Eui-yong told a press briefing on Tuesday.

CGTN Photo

The announcement, which was not widely expected, followed Chung's two-day trip to Pyongyang as Moon's special envoy.

While in the DPRK capital, Chung and four other ROK envoys held an unprecedented meeting with Kim.

"The South (ROK) and the North (DPRK) have agreed to set up a hotline between their leaders to allow close consultations and a reduction of military tension, while also agreeing to hold the first phone conversation before the third South-North summit," Chung said.

Chung Eui-yong (R), head of ROK's National Security Office, Suh Hoon (L), chief of ROK's National Intelligence Service, and other delegates (back) arrive at a military airport in Seongnam, south of Seoul, ROK, March 6, 2018. /VCG Photo

The DPRK has also restated its commitment to rid itself of nuclear weapons, according to Chung.

"The North (DPRK) side clearly affirmed its commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and said it would have no reason to possess nuclear weapons should the safety of its regime be guaranteed and military threats against North Korea (DPRK) removed," he said.

The DPRK also expressed its willingness to hold "candid" talks with the United States on ways to realize the denuclearization of the peninsula and normalize the countries' bilateral ties.

It also said there would be no military provocations, such as an additional nuclear test or ballistic missile launches, as long as the US-DPRK talks are in progress, Chung said.

"In addition, the North (DPRK) promised not to use not only nuclear weapons but also conventional weapons against the South (ROK)," he added.

CGTN Picture

The other two inter-Korean summits were held in Pyongyang respectively between DPKR's former leader Kim Jong II with former ROK's presidents Kim Dae-jung in 2000 and Roh Moo-hyun in 2007.

Demonstrating the apparent thaw in inter-Korean ties, the DPRK has invited a ROK taekwondo demonstration team and an art performance team to perform in Pyongyang. The visit, if made, will reciprocate earlier trips to ROK by their DPRK counterparts during the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games held from Feb. 9 to 25.

Pyongyang willing to talk with Washington

The US has said before it is open to talks but its position has been that dialogue must be aimed at the DPRK's denuclearization.

According to Reuters, the Pentagon has nevertheless said it was "cautiously optimistic" about the DPRK talks, which resumed in January for the first time in two years.

Screenshot of US President Donald Trump's tweet, March 6, 2018. /@realDonaldTrump

US President Donald Trump responded on Tuesday, saying "Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea (DPRK). For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned."

UN welcomes inter-Korean summit

The United Nations on Tuesday welcomed the forthcoming summit between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Republic of Korea (ROK), saying it was ready to assist the process.

"The Secretary-General is encouraged by the advances made during the latest inter-Korean talks, particularly the agreement to hold a summit meeting soon, to further reduce military tensions, and to discuss denuclearization in future talks with all relevant parties," Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement.

"The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to further assist in this process with the governments concerned," the statement read. "The latest developments are further steps forward in laying the foundation for the resumption of sincere dialogue, leading to sustainable peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula."

At the daily news briefing, Dujarric said, "We're obviously encouraged by these discussions. Anything that can reduce further military tensions, I think is, is to be welcomed."

(With input from Yonhap News Agency and Reuters)

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