GOYANG, Republic of Korea, April 27. /TASS/. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have confirmed that their countries seek denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as follows from a joint declaration issued in the wake of their talks on Friday.
"South and North Korea affirmed their shared objective of achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization," said the declaration signed by the leaders of the two Koreas," the declaration runs.
South and North Korea are ending all hostile actions against each other, according to the declaration. "There will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and thus a new era of peace has begun," the declaration says.
"South and North Korea agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other in every domain, including land, air and sea. The two sides agreed to transform the demilitarized zone into a peace zone in a genuine sense," the declaration says. The document also stresses that both sides "will hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields, including at high level."
The militaries of both countries have agreed to maintain constant contacts, including at the level of the defense ministers. Specifically, the two sides have agreed to "convene military talks at the level of general" already on May 15, according to the declaration.
Peace treaty
North and South Korea are determined to sign a peace treaty, according to the declaration.
"During this year that marks the 65th anniversary of the Armistice, South and North Korea agreed to pursue trilateral meetings involving the two Koreas and the United States or quadrilateral meetings involving the two Koreas, the United States and China with a view to declaring an end to the war and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime," the declaration reads.
The Korean War of 1950-1953, which involved South Korea and the US on the one hand and North Korea and China on the other, ended with the signing of an armistice. Technically, the two Koreas are still at war with each other.
Moon Jae-in will visit Pyongyang
The South Korean president is to visit Pyongyang in autumn, says the declaration.
"President Moon Jae-in agreed to visit Pyongyang this fall," the declaration said. "The two leaders agreed, through regular meetings and direct telephone conversations, to hold frequent and candid discussions on issues vital to the nation, to strengthen mutual trust and to jointly endeavor to strengthen the positive momentum towards continuous advancement of inter-Korean relations as well as peace, prosperity and unification of the Korean Peninsula," the declaration reads.
North and South Korea have agreed to restart meetings of the families separated by the Korean War of 1950-1953.
"South and North Korea agreed to endeavor to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues that resulted from the division of the nation, and to convene the Inter-Korean Red Cross meeting to discuss and solve various issues, including the reunion of separated families," the declaration said.
"In this vein, South and North Korea agreed to proceed with reunion programs for the separated families on the occasion of the National Liberation Day of August 15 this year," the declaration said.
It also said the two Koreas "agreed to establish a joint liaison office with resident representatives of both sides in the Gaesong region in order to facilitate close consultation between the authorities as well as smooth exchanges and cooperation between the peoples".
Road connection
North Korea and South Korea agreed to start working on connecting the railways and roads of the two countries.
"The two sides agreed to adopt practical steps towards the connection and modernization of the railways and roads on the eastern transportation corridor as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju for their utilization," the document said.