ROK hails DPRK's decision to dismantle its nuke site

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Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in on Monday hailed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) plan to transparently display the dismantling of its nuclear test site to the international community, calling it a start towards denuclearization.

Moon made the remarks during a meeting with his senior secretaries, according to the presidential Blue House.

"[I] highly evaluate and welcome North Korea (DPRK)'s [decision] to transparently make the dismantlement of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site open to the international society after releasing US detainees," said Moon.

Read more: DPRK to dismantle its nuke site within two weeks, detailed plans out

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un and Republic of Korea President Moon Jae-in walk cross the Military Demarcation Line on April 27, 2018. /VCG Photo

Moon said it was an initial act toward the DPRK's complete denuclearization.

During US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the DPRK last week, the country released three US citizens who had been held in the country.

Read more: Three US nationals released from the DPRK

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Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Un and Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in take group photos together with officials from the two sides at Panmunjom. /VCG Photo

Pyongyang announced plans over the weekend to dismantle the Punggye-ri underground nuclear test site and has invited journalists from the ROK, China, US, Russia and Britain to witness the process.

The DPRK's announcement came ahead of the scheduled summit between the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump, which is set to be held in Singapore on June 12.

Read more: Trump to meet with Kim Jong Un on June 12 in Singapore

Read more: Why was Singapore chosen to host the Trump-Kim summit?

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency