By Lee Jihye and Joung Haseung
Photos = Yonhap News
President Moon Jae-in on Aug. 15 said in his congratulatory National Liberation Day address, "(We) can create a Korean Peninsula model in which the two Koreas coexist and contribute to the prosperity of Northeast Asia as a whole through denuclearization and permanent peace on the Peninsula."
At an event marking the 76th annual National Liberation Day at Culture Station Seoul 284 in Seoul's Jung-gu District, he said, "Division is the biggest obstacle blocking our growth and prosperity and simultaneously a tenacious barrier to permanent peace. (We) can also remove this barrier."
Referring to West and East Germany, which ended 45 years of division to achieve reunification, he said, "East and West Germany built trust by exchanging good faith and intentions. They created a 'German model' that pursues universalism, pluralism, coexistence and co-prosperity."
"Firmly institutionalizing peace on the Korean Peninsula will definitely benefit both Koreas greatly."
"Most of all, the advantages that the Republic of Korea would be able to enjoy will be enormous once we shake off the so-called Korea discount and connect to the continent rather than exist as a virtual island nation," he added.
"If we tirelessly envision peace on the Korean Peninsula, our imaginations can reach beyond it and spread across Eurasia."
shaadiya1223@korea.kr