The two Korean leaders met in the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea today (Korea is nine hours ahead of GMT, so as I write this post it is late evening in the DMZ) in what is being described as a historic summit to discuss co-operation between the two Koreas and attempts to de-escalate tensions between the two states and in particular the growing threat posed by the North’s development of nuclear weapons. The two leaders, Kim Jong-un of the North and Moon Jae-in of the South have agreed to work towards ridding the Korean peninsula of nuclear weapons, as well as several other measures to ease tensions.
The summit is even the more remarkable considering the heightened tensions that have existed between the two Koreas and between the North and the West in recent years. These tensions have escalated even further since Donald Trump became President of the United States in January 2017. Mr Trump has frequently focused on the nuclear threat from North Korea and its development of nuclear weapons but has not always helped the situation with his rhetoric, insults and threats of and against North Korea and Mr Kim. Last month the tensions eased considerably when plans for a meeting between the North and South and between President Trump and Mr Kim emerged. It seemed that at last all sides were realising that only diplomacy, talks and co-operation is going to solve the problems we all face from tensions in the Korean peninsula. Today’s summit in the DMZ is a huge step in this direction and to overcome, what Mr Kim today called, the “unfortunate history” in the peninsula.
The two leaders met at the so-called Peace House in Panmunjom, which is a military compound inside the DMZ. They were greeted by a guard of honour on the South Korean side of the DMZ. At this point, Mr Kim took Mr Moon’s hand and invited him to step across the border between the two countries and the two men briefly stood together in North Korea before stepping back into the South. According to the BBC this was an impromptu moment in what was otherwise a highly choreographed meeting. The leaders then took part in the first session of the summit before lunch after which Mr Kim returned to the North before returning later in the afternoon.
Photos: Mr Kim and Mr Moon symbolically cross into North Korea and Mr Kim’s limousine surrounded by bodyguards returns to the North after the first session of the Summit.
On returning to the Summit, the two leaders planted a symbolic tree in the DMZ as a symbol of peace and co-operation. The tree’s roots were covered by the two men using soil and water from each of their countries and they unveiled a stone marker featuring their names and official titles and the message “Planting peace and prosperity.” The leaders continued their talks in the afternoon and this evening (lunchtime GMT) they attended a banquet which included traditional music and children singing followed by a formal dinner.
Photos: The two leaders at the formal banquet and the two leaders embrace.
Measures laid out in joint statement: (read full statement)
- A commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula
- Converting the 1953 Korean War armistice into a peace treaty
- An end to “hostile activities” between the two nations
- Changing the demilitarised zone (DMZ) that divides the country into a “peace zone” by ceasing propaganda broadcasts
- An arms reduction in the region pending the easing of military tension
- To push for three-way talks involving the US and China
- Organising a reunion of families left divided by the war
- Connecting and modernising railways and roads across the border
- Further joint participation in sporting events, including this year’s Asian Games
Both leaders agreed to co-ordinate and work closely in order to prevent the collapse of progress, something which has happened before, or fizzling out as Mr Kim said. Mr Kim warned, however, that: “There may be backlash, hardship and frustration. A victory cannot be achieved without pain.”
Photos: Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong, who accompanied her brother to the Summit, and the two leaders at a tree-planting ceremony in the DMZ.
What people are saying of the Summit:
Donald Trump on Twitter: “After a furious year of missile launches and Nuclear testing, a historic meeting between North and South Korea is now taking place. Good things are happening, but only time will tell!” and “KOREAN WAR TO END! The United States, and all of its GREAT people, should be very proud of what is now taking place in Korea!”
Vipin Narang on Twitter: “Just a reminder that this language is not new. Historic summit notwithstanding.”
Anna Fifield on Twitter: “North and South Korea agree to work toward “common goal” of denuclearization, to end the Korean War next year. The “Panmunjom Declaration” is short of details but huge of symbolism and intent. The two Koreas actually hugged. https://buff.ly/2I4D1Q2.”
Noon in Korea on Twitter: “The highlight of the joint statement wasn’t re denuclearization. It was Moon’s phrase, “There’ll be no more war on the Korean Peninsula,” which is exactly what Kim Dae-jung said after the 1st inter-Korean summit. Repeating this won’t assuage conservatives https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR8Fe1lTKHo … pic.twitter.com/sqvQKeHQpc.”
Harry Kazianis on Twitter: “I know one thing, I am glad I did not stay up all night. No major changes. All the promises in the world change any of the facts on the ground. #NorthKorea. RIght now, if I was @realDonaldTrump, I would not meet with #NorthKorea. We need more concrete steps first. Sorry.”
BBC’s Laura Bicker on Twitter: “BREAKING: North and South Korea will work towards signing a peace treaty this year on the 65th anniversary of the armistice.” and “What I’m loving about this park bench moment is it’s unscripted. It’s just two guys having a chat in front of millions of people on live television discussing (hopefully) world peace. #InterKoreanSummit.” and “Kim Jong-un says “This is a meaningful place…. This is indeed a new Spring that has come to the North and South. I hope to make the most of today’s opportunity, ” as he plants the tree with president Moon.” and “Kim Jong-un: “Together with this pine tree, I hope our relationship can flourish.”
Kim Gamel on Twitter: “The sound of birds, bugs and perhaps other creatures during the Korean leaders’ private chat is a reminder that the DMZ has become a wildlife refuge.”
The Guardian’s Mary Dejevsky in an opinion piece: “Many obstacles remain. But this turnaround in Korean relations reflects Kim Jong-un’s newly serious commitment to progress.” and “There are already plenty of observers, on all sides, counselling caution. This one meeting, however cordial, whatever its historic significance, could remain just that – a promising beginning left to peter out, rather like the Korean “sunshine diplomacy” of the 1990s. Once the two sides try to get into the detail of nuclear capabilities and missiles, everything could fall apart. The periodically volatile politics of the South could also play their part.” and “Not all diplomatic statements deserve to be taken at face value. But some do, and there are dangers to always looking for malign secondary meanings that are simply not there. This is how South Korea perceived Kim Jong-un’s intentions: ‘[He] said that he came here to put an end to the history of conflict, discuss and remove obstacles between us … He said let’s meet more often and we should be determined not to go back to square one … let’s live up to all the expectations and create a better world.’ Is it not worth, for once, giving optimism a chance?
Abraham M Denmark on Twitter: “Two initial issues are most apparent. First, a peace treaty will likely need to be signed by China and the US as well as North and South Korea. Expect a four-party mechanism to be established to negotiate a peace treaty, with the US & ROK ensuring that the Alliance is unaffected.” and “This agreement greatly raises expectations for the Kim-Trump Summti. An agreement between NK and the US will need to include a detailed roadmap for a way forward, including each side’s concessions.”
Chad O’Carroll on Twitter: “One very important aspect of the commitment to a peace treaty is pledge to try and agree it before end of this year: which is 65th anniversary of armistice agreement ending Korean War. But this relies on “active” trilateral or four-way talks, which will need to achieve a lot… pic.twitter.com/YYIsQXsPvg.” and “Another important point: By agreeing to “fully (implement) all existing agreements and declarations,” it ultimately means: – Allowing inspections of nuke sites (1992) – Promoting economic cooperation (2000) – Resumption of tourism projects in NK; i.e flights to Paektusan (2007).”
Christopher Green on Twitter: “Today’s #KoreaSummit was rich with symbolism on both sides. From the size of the table to the menu for dinner to the water used to nourish the commemorative pine tree after lunch, no stone was left unturned in the hunt for meaning. @CrisisGroup.” and “The Declaration is long on generalities and short on concrete steps. We’ve heard a lot of it before. But there are some significant elements: 3- and 4-party talks to end the Korean War and create a “peace system” for the peninsula; and Moon’s plan to visit Pyongyang in autumn.”
China’s statement on the Summit, issued by Lu Kang, of China’s foreign ministry: “Today, the leaders of South and North Korea held their summit successfully. (They) announced a joint declaration on their common understanding of inter-Korean relations, easing military tension on the Korean Peninsula, denuclearizing the peninsula and a permanent peace. The positive outcome of the summit is helpful for inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation, peace and stability on the peninsula and the political resolution of Korean Peninsula issues.”
European Union Commission President Donald Tusk on Twitter: “What I heard today from Korea and what I have experienced here in the Balkans in the last days should be a positive memento to all: That the impossible can become possible, and that it depends entirely on the good will and courage of individual people.”
Belgian foreign minister Charles Michel on Twitter: “After 65 years our world can become a safer place, bringing peace and stability to the Korean peninsula. We support North and South Korea’s wish to sign a peace treaty formally ending the Korean War. #KoreaSummit #Peace.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, speaking to reporters in Tokyo: “Today President Moon Jae-in and Chairman Kim Jong Un held earnest discussions about North Korea’s denuclearisation. I want to welcome that as a positive move toward comprehensive resolution of various issues concerning North Korea. We strongly hope that North Korea will take concrete action through this meeting and a summit between the US and North Korea.”
Russian Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov: “This is very positive news.” The Russian news agency Tass quoted him saying: “In this case we positively regard the meeting itself between the two Koreas’ leaders and the declared outcome of the negotiations.”
Sources & Further Reading:
- Koreas make nuclear pledge after summit – BBC – Friday 27 April 2018
- Live reporting – BBC – Friday 27 April 2018
- North and South Korea summit: The people Kim trusts the most – BBC – Friday 27 April 2018
- North and South Korean leaders promise ‘lasting peace’ for peninsula – The Guardian – Friday 27 April 2018 – by Benjamin Harris in Goyang, South Korea and Justin McCurry in Tokyo
- Korea summit: Trump hails ‘end of the Korean war’ – as it happened – The Guardian – Friday 27 April 2018 – by Matthew Weaver and Hannah Ellis-Peterson
- ‘Why has it taken us so long’: five things we’ve learned from Korean summit – The Guardian – Friday 27 April 2018 – by Martin Frazer and Justin McCurry
- At this summit, North and South Korea took a real step towards peace – The Guardian – Friday 27 April 2018 – by Mary Dejevsky
STEPHEN NULTY 