Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

President Moon Jae-in presided over a session of the NSC;

Stressed important outcomes of the second North Korea-U.S. summit

Expressed his appreciation for the discussion on the complete dismantling of the North’s nuclear complex in Yongbyon

Reaffirmed government’s will to actively mediate the negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea
Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo said, “We will continue to strengthen communication between Republic of Korea and the U.S.” 

“The second summit between the U.S. and North Korea makes us anticipate that it is part of a bigger agreement, even if it will take a little longer. Our role is important again.” This was the theme President Moon Jae-in stressed with regard to the second North Korea-U.S. summit in Hanoi, Vietnam, in a statement at a National Security Council meeting on March 4th.

The meeting was presided over by President Moon at Cheong Wa Dae. “The second North Korea-U.S. summit, though its result was very disappointing, was a chance to confirm the highly meaningful progress that has been made between the two countries through dialogue.” he said. His remarks seem to suggest that the government will continue to focus on its mediating role, maintaining its position that the development of inter-Korean relations is the driving force behind the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 

President Moon has picked ▲complete dismantling of North Korea’s nuclear complex in Yongbyon, ▲partial relief of economic sanctions on North Korea and ▲opening of a US liaison office in North Korea as prioritized outcomes of the summit. 

He also said, “If the Yongbyon nuclear complex, including its plutonium reprocessing facilities and uranium enrichment facilities, were to be completely dismantled, it would represent an irreversible step in North Korea’s denuclearization,” adding that the relief of economic sanctions and opening of a liaison office are significant outcomes of dialogue, and have great significance as an important process to normalize the relations between the two countries.

President Moon also gave directions that hinted at the specifics of his government’s mediation plan. 

“I ask you to accurately identify the gap that prevented the two sides from reaching an agreement at the latest North Korea-U.S. summit, and find ways to narrow it. I believe the North Korea-U.S. negotiations will ultimately lead to an agreement, but I ask you to work for the early resumption of working-level dialogue between the two parties, because we do not want the stalemate to be prolonged," he said.

“I ask you to actively find ways to assist the North Korea-U.S. dialogue by developing inter-Korean relations, within the boundaries of the sanctions. In addition, I ask you to prepare for the start of inter-Korean cooperation projects that were reached under the Panmunjom Declaration and Pyongyang Declaration,” He also asked them to establish the concept of a new Korean Peninsula regime that was presented during his address to commemorate the March 1 Independence Movement Day, and prepare feasible visions for the short-term, medium-term and long-term.

“We have gone through many difficulties to come this far, but it still can all collapse in a moment. We should make a full-fledged effort before North Korea and the U.S. deviate from the path of dialogue,” President Moon added.

The meeting included a discussion about evaluating and responding to the second North Korea-U.S, summit, which started at 2:00 p.m. and lasted for about 100 minutes, and was followed by reports from related government departments, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification and the Ministry of National Defense.

Significantly, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo said, “We will strengthen strategic communication between Republic of Korea and the U.S. in order to promote a drive toward denuclearization between the two countries, and maintain our robust combined defense posture with our U.S. allies. We will keep up the momentum for talks with the North side. We will provide practical action plans for the September 19 military agreement by holding inter-Korean military talks in March.“

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>