By Kim Eun-young and Hahm Hee-eun

President Moon Jae-in had phone calls with the leaders of Japan and Russia on April 29, to share with them the outcomes of the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit and to discuss a denuclearization roadmap for the Korean Peninsula.

Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom announced during a Cheong Wa Dae press briefing that, “President Moon told Japan that Chairman of State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un is willing to talk with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, especially on historic issues, for the normalization of the diplomatic relationship.”

Prime Minister Abe responded that, “Japan is also willing to take the opportunity for conversation with North Korea, and, if necessary, we will ask President Moon for help.” President Moon said, “I would be more than willing to be a bridge for North Korea and Japan’s relationship,” according to Cheong Wa Dae.

Prime Minister Abe said that North Korea’s statement in the Panmunjeom Declaration would conform to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and that it shows “the prospective moves of North Korea” and that “further detailed actions are anticipated.”

President Moon also talked on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin for 35 minutes. President Moon requested his special interest and support, and said, “The success of the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit is due to coherent support from Russia. I hope that we could continue to communicate and work closely.”

According to Cheong Wa Dae, President Putin said, “The outcomes of the 2018 Inter-Korean Summit should lead to trilateral cooperation with Russia,” and added that, “If Russian railways, gas and electricity connect the Korean Peninsula and Siberia, it would contribute to stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.” President Moon showed signs of agreement, and said, “It would be nice to have some joint research into the possibility of trilateral cooperation.”

The leaders of Korea and Russia both agreed that trilateral cooperation would help establish a peaceful security system across Northeast Asia, and that they should develop this cooperation into a multilateral security system.


 eykim86@korea.kr