Inter-Korean Summit: Korean leaders wrap up with goal of denuclearization
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The leaders of the DPRK and South Korea have announced plans to officially end what is still technically a state of war on the peninsula, and carry out "complete denuclearization". CGTN's Jack Barton has this report from the Demilitarized Zone, where Friday's historic summit was held.
On Friday Kim Jong Un become the first DPRK leader to step foot in South Korea, clasping hands with President Moon Jae-in. Then, an unscripted surprise as both leaders momentarily stepped north of the demilitarized zone's demarcation line.
Back in the south there was a red carpet honor guard fit for a 16th century King, representing a unified past both Koreas embrace.
Then official talks at the "Peace House" summit center started off with jokes including Kim telling Moon he can now sleep-in, indicating no more nuclear or missile tests. A pledge in jest later formalized in a document unveiled by the two leaders at the Panmunjom joint security area. At the presentation, Moon praised peace efforts by Pyongyang including the recent halt to weapons tests.
MOON JAE-IN SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT "It is very significant that North Korea took a measure of freezing nuclear first. It will be a valuable beginning for the complete denuclearization on Korean peninsula. I clearly declare that the South and North will closely cooperate for the complete denuclearization."
Kim Jong-un insisted that the missteps of the past would not be repeated.
KIM JONG UN DPRK LEADER "We will make efforts to create good results by communicating closely, in order to make sure our agreement signed today before the entire world, will not end at the beginning like previous agreements did before."
What is now known as the "Panmunjom document" also outlined steps for both Koreas to work with the U.S. and China to strike a formal peace agreement to replace the truce signed in 1953. Family reunions will also once again be permitted and steps will be taken to boost humanitarian assistance.
Jack Barton, DMZ "The agreement comes ahead of what is expected to be a historic meeting between Kim Jong Un and US president Donald Trump as it is expected to focus purely on denuclearization."
As the final dinner wrapped up, attended by the first ladies of the DPRK and South Korea, locals in attendance said another meeting between Kim and Moon is likely to happen in Pyongyang in autumn and that the two leaders had pledged to keep in contact via their new hotline until that time.