President Moon Jae-in has hailed the recent inter-Korean agreement a big step towards peace on the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean leader made the comments this morning at the 50th annual Korea National Prayer Breakfast
Hwang Hojun reports. President Moon Jae-in once again emphasized the significance of the outcome of the recent inter-Korean agreement while attending the Korean National Prayer Breakfast, marking its jubilee year.
Addressing the 5,000 attendees that included church leaders, politicians, and government officials, President Moon called the agreement a big step toward lasting peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The president's remarks come a couple days after his top security adviser Chung Eui-yong and the head of the nation's intelligence agency Suh Hoon returned from their high-profile trip to Pyongyang.
They delivered news that the North has agreed to return to the negotiation table -- even willing to discuss the issue of denuclearization -- and will suspend all its military provocations as long as it's in dialogue with the U.S.
The agreement also included Seoul and Pyongyang holding what would be a third inter-Korean summit late next month.
President Moon stressed such achievements were made possible not only by talks between the Koreas but also by strong U.S. support.
However, he noted there are still obstacles to overcome, which according to President Moon are scars that have not healed because of the prolonged conflict and antagonism between the two Koreas.
"We must take control of our own fate. We'll keep working with the U.S. and the rest of the international community while continuing dialogue with Pyongyang to lay the foundation for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula one step at a time.
During the meeting, President Moon also expressed his gratitude for the role the Korean church has played in South Korea's development and democratization and asked for the people's prayers for the future of the nation.
Hwang Hojun, Arirang News.
