fredag 22. april 2022

South Korea and North Korea leaders sent 'personal letters' to each other this week

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un responded to a personal letter from outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in this week, the North's state news agency KCNA reported. According to KCNA, Moon said he want to make joint declarations from the two sides "the foundation for the reunification" even after he steps down as president. Kim "appreciated the pains and effort taken" by Moon, the report said.

"The exchange of the personal letters between the top leaders of the North and the South is an expression of their deep trust," KCNA said.

Moon's spokesperson said the president asked Kim to remain committed to cooperation, and that dialogue should overcome the "era of confrontation," Reuters reported. The news comes days after the reclusive North conducted yet another missile test, and weeks before incoming South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's inauguration on May 10. Relations between the two sides initially warmed under Moon, who held three summits with Kim in 2018. But ties deteriorated sharply, and the North threatened military action. It also blew up its joint liaison office with South Korea in 2020.