From Benjamin in the DMZ, Kim and Moon make their first remarks

김정은 "한국과 북한 사이 새로운 역사의 장을 쓰고 싶다"

Kim and Moon make their first remarks

From Benjamin in the DMZ:

Kim and Moon sat down for the beginning of the summit and made brief remarks in from of the cameras.

Kim said he wanted to hold “frank” discussions on current issues and hoped the summit could lead to a “good outcome”. 

I hope to write a new chapter between us, this is the starting point for us.

 We will make a new beginning,” he said. “It has taken 11 years for this historic moment to happen. Walking here I wondered why it has taken so long.”

“Through today’s meeting, I hope we won’t go back to square one again and non-implementation of what we agree won’t happen again,” he added, referring to past agreements that were signed but fizzled.

 “I hope we can live up to the exceptions that other have on us”, and “I hope there can be agreements to fulfill those great expectations.”

The two leaders sit down for talks. Photograph: Reuters Tv/Reuters

Moon then made a few opening remarks before journalists were asked to leave.

“I hope the whole world is paying attention to the Spring that is spreading throughout the Korean peninsula,” he said. “There is a huge burden on our shoulders. People around the world have high hopes.”

“Your visit makes the military demarcation line a symbol of peace, not division,” he added. “I thank you very much for your courage. Our dialogue and talks today will be very frank. We will finally have the dialogue we haven’t been able to have for the past decade.”

 Kim and Moon admire a painting of Mount Kumgang in the summit meeting room. Photograph: Reuters Tv/Reuters