Moon, Kim vow efforts for peace, prosperity at official dinner

PYONGYANG/SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Joint Press Corps-Yonhap) -- The leaders of South and North Korea said Tuesday they will continue joint efforts for peace and co-prosperity despite challenges and potential troubles down the road.

"The complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of peace are key agenda items," South Korean President Moon Jae-in said at a banquet dinner held after his first day of summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang.

Since it's a new approach, there could be challenges and troubles, Moon said during the event at Mokran House.

"But Chairman Kim and I have trust and friendship," he added. "(The peace and denuclearization process) has just begun. We will be able to create a future nobody has experienced."

Kim said his meeting with Moon will serve as a "historic chance" for the people of Korea who pursue the epoch-making development of inter-Korean relations and peace.

"This time, I and President Moon Jae-in will discuss various issues, related to following up with the Panmunjom Declaration, in a frank and open-minded manner," Kim said, referring to the deal reached at their talks in the border village of Panmunjom on April 27.

Kim also cited his personal trust with Moon, saying it would quicken their steps toward a peaceful and prosperous Korea.

lcd@yna.co.kr
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