Moon calls for 'bold transition' toward a new Korean Peninsula

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03:04

Republic of Korea (ROK) President Moon Jae-in on Friday unveiled his vision for a new Korean Peninsula, calling for peaceful and economic cooperation within the two Koreas.

"The coming 100 years will differ from the past in quality," said Moon, adding that they will push ahead with a bold transition toward a new Korean Peninsula and prepare for unification. The president said during a ceremony marking the centennial anniversary of the March 1 Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul.

Moon said ROK will work together with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and create a new order of peace and cooperation, reported Yonhap News Agency.

He also called for close ROK-U.S. coordination, a settlement in DPRK-U.S. talks and support from the international community, according to the report.

ROK President Moon Jae-in (L), his wife Kim Jung-sook (R) and former ROK "comfort woman" Lee Yong-soo (C) attend a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule, in central Seoul, ROK, March 1, 2019. /Reuters Photo

A second summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un collapsed on Thursday over sanctions against Pyongyang.

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"I believe this is part of a process to reach a higher level of agreement. Now our role has become even more important," Moon said.

"My administration will closely communicate and cooperate with the U.S. and the DPRK so as to help their talks reach a complete settlement by any means," he added.

Moon also said the ROK would consult with the U.S. on ways to resume tourism in Mount Kumgang and the operation of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, both in the DPRK.

ROK and Japan will become 'genuine friends'

Moon said ROK's cooperation with Japan would also be strengthened for the sake of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

ROK President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech during a ceremony celebrating the 100th anniversary of the March First Independence Movement against Japanese colonial rule, in central Seoul, ROK, March 1, 2019. /Reuters Photo

"When the pain of victims is substantively healed through concerted efforts, Korea and Japan will become genuine friends with heart-to-heart understanding," Moon said.

He added that the 1919 landmark statement issued by 33 leading independence fighters was not driven by enmity but was designed to promote the "harmonious co-existence of all humankind."

Relations between the ROK and Japan have soured since last year, when the ROK disbanded a fund meant to settle compensation for ROK women forced to work in Japanese military brothels during World War II.

ROK's top court also ordered Japanese firms to compensate ROK people for their forced labor in the war.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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