By Jung Joo-ri and Yoon Sojung

The French daily Le Figaro gave full coverage to President Moon Jae-in’s trip to five European countries in its Oct. 15 edition. President Moon departed for Paris on Oct. 13, the first leg of his trip.

The French daily published related articles and an interview in regard to President Moon’s Europe trip in the international section.

In an analysis article titled "Moon Jae-in, the tenacious apostle of reconciliation between the two Koreas," Le Figaro wrote, "On a state visit to France on Monday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in begins his trip in Europe in favor of pacification with North Korea."

The paper said, "After working behind the scenes in a surprise move at the PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games this February, and with the historic handshake between Trump and Kim in Singapore on June 12, Moon now plays the spokesperson for the 'Supreme Leader' on the world stage."

Le Figaro also published a written interview with President Moon.

In the interview titled "South Korean President Moon on Figaro: Kim Jong Un is sincere," the French paper asked the president the moments he began to trust North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s will to give up nuclear weapons although the North did not abide by promises in the past. The daily also asked President Moon the role of U.S. President Donald Trump in the goal of leading the North to nuclear dismantlement.

"This year, I was able to talk in depth with Kim for long hours. These meetings convinced me that he made the strategic decision to abandon his nuclear weapons," President Moon told the French paper.

President Moon also said that, "In April, North Korea adopted a new strategy prioritizing economic development."

He said that Pyeongyang is "implementing significant denuclearization measures, such as the dismantling of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site and the closure of a long-range ballistic missile engine test site."  

"I believe that denuclearization is now official even within North Korean society," said the President.

In regard to the role of U.S. President Donald Trump, President Moon said, "I think the United States will have to take reliable corresponding measures to improve the regime's security guarantee and Pyeongyang-Washington relations." 

"Declaring the end of the Korean War would be a starting point for the establishment of a peace regime," he added.

etoilejr@korea.kr