Seoul, Pyongyang Exchange Messages to Mark Anniversary of Inter-Korean SummitSeoul and Pyongyang Friday exchanged telephone messages celebrating the first anniversary of the historic inter-Korean summit talks in Pyongyang last year.In its message to Pyongyang transferred through liaison office at the truce village of Panmunjom, South Korea expressed its hope for an early second summit to create a turning point for further improved inter-Korean relations and a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula. "On the first anniversary of the June 15 Joint Declaration, South and North Korea should advance reconciliation and cooperation in the spirit of the agreement made between the leaders of the two Koreas," said South Korea in the message. Based on the confidence built over the past year, Seoul and Pyongyang should strive for peaceful coexistence, exchanges and cooperation to prepare for the largest national task of unification, added the South Korean message. In its message, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said it will do its utmost to prevent foreign intervention in national affairs and will act in a manner to protect its national interest. As the long-standing inter-Korean confrontation has eased over the past year and the road toward reconciliation and cooperation was being walked upon, the DPRK voiced its hope that Seoul will be in step with Pyongyang in order to achieve unification. The exchange of messages is the first since the inter-Korean minister-level talks were canceled in March. |
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