Remarks by President Moon Jae-in Following Signing of the Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula

by Moon Jae-in

Fellow Koreans in South and North Korea and overseas compatriots,

Chairman Kim Jong Un and I reached a crucial agreement after holding a historic meeting in accordance with the aspirations of the 80 million Korean people who wish for peace.

We declared that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun.

We could stand here because we have believed that we are able to prevail over the pain and sorrow of longstanding division.

Today, Chairman Kim and I confirmed the common goal of realizing, through complete denuclearization, a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. Steps taken first by the North to freeze its nuclear program have a very significant meaning. It will be an important beginning toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

I want to make it clear that the South and the North will more closely cooperate for complete denuclearization going forward.

We agreed to establish a permanent and solid peace regime by bringing an end to the currently insecure state of the Armistice on the Korean Peninsula through the declaration of an end to the Korean War and a peace accord.

It is a very important agreement that could fundamentally transform the international order surrounding the Korean Peninsula.

We agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air and sea.

We will work to devise fundamental measures to prevent accidental military clashes.

The demilitarized zone, which cuts across the Korean Peninsula, will be transformed into a peace zone in the true sense. The areas around the Northern Limit Line in the West Sea will be turned into a maritime peace zone so as to prevent accidental military clashes and guarantee safe fishing activities for fishermen of both Koreas.

I respect the resolute decision by Chairman Kim Jong Un, who is bold enough to make today’s significant occasion possible and concur on a substantial agreement.

Though we affirm the principle of determining the destiny of the Korean nation on our own accord, we have decided to jointly seek the support and cooperation of the international community.

With strong mutual trust, Chairman Kim Jong Un and I will have frequent discussions through regular meetings and direct phone conversations for the sake of peace, prosperity and unification. Now there is no turning back.

Fellow Koreans in South and North Korea and overseas compatriots,

Chairman Kim Jong Un and I have begun our daring stride toward peace and common prosperity of both Koreas, and to achieve our people’s desire for unification through our own efforts.

South and North Korean authorities will engage in close dialogue and cooperation.

South and North Korea will immediately conduct cooperation and exchanges at all levels in order to rejuvenate the sense of national reconciliation and unity. The reunion of separated families will proceed before it becomes too late, and they will be able to visit their hometowns and exchange letters.

The agreement to establish an inter-Korean liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Gaeseong region is also very important.

I hope that the liaison office will enable the two Koreas to put into practice the October 4 Declaration and carry out a joint feasibility study for the implementation of inter-Korean economic cooperation projects.

If circumstances permit in the future, South and North Korea may be able to develop it into offices established in each other’s territory. Today, Chairman Kim and I set up an unwavering milestone toward the denuclearization and permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, common prosperity of the nation, and unification of the two Koreas.

Thanks to Chairman Kim Jong Un’s bold decisions, we are able to give good presents to the peoples of South and North Korea as well as to the world. The way of making the public announcement also makes today’s summit even more special. As far as I know, this is the first time for a supreme leader of North Korea to stand in front of the world`s media and make a joint statement. I applaud Chairman Kim Jong Un who has made bold and courageous decisions.

Thank you.