South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a historic announcement, committing to an “era of no war” during the two leaders’ joint press conference held on Wednesday in Pyongyang, North Korea.
The announcement was made at the Paekhwawon State Guesthouse on the second day of a three-day summit between the two leaders who both expressed hopes in containing the threat of war on the Korean Peninsula.
Among the pledges made by North Korea include the closure of a key missile test facility in the presence of “international experts” and the possibility of the destruction of its primary nuclear complex, which is reportedly dependent on whether the United States will agree on some corresponding measures.
Kim and Moon reiterated their vow to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, a promise they first delivered at their earlier summit in April.
“The world is going to see how this divided nation is going to bring about a new future on its own,” said Kim.
The two leaders also indicated a potential historic fourth meeting in the South Korean capital of Seoul in the near future.
Should Kim follow through with their signed agreement which stated he would travel to Seoul “as soon as possible,” he will be the first ever North Korean leader to do so.
A 17-page accord was also signed by both administrations’ defense ministers in which they vowed to “cease all hostile acts against each other.”
“The era of no war has started,” said Moon. “Today the North and South decided to remove all threats that can cause war from the entire Korean peninsula.”
According to CNN, here are the other pledges that the two countries have agreed to pursue:
- Submission of a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympics.
- Creation of rail and road links between North and South within the next year.
- Stopping any military drill aimed at each other along the Military Demarcation Line, which divides the two countries, by November 1.
- Removal of 11 guard posts in the demilitarized zone by the end of the year.
- Normalization of the Kaesong Industrial complex and Kumgang tourism project as soon as the conditions allow.
Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump Trump took to Twitter to express his excitement over the historic announcement.
