As tensions rise, exchange of 'letters of friendship' between leaders in Koreas brings a sigh of relief
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The North Korean leader has exchanged letters with Moon. This comes as several weapons tests have been carried out by Pyongyang since the beginning of this year, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) last month
As tensions rise in Koreas over weapons tests, North’s leader Kim Jong Un has thanked outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in for making concerted efforts to improve relations between the two nations, state media KCNA reported on Friday.
The North Korean leader has exchanged letters with Moon. This comes as several weapons tests have been carried out by Pyongyang since the beginning of this year, including the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) last month.
On Wednesday, Moon had sent a letter to Kim and had promised to keep trying to lay a foundation for unification. The South Korean leader said it will be based on joint declarations, which were reached at summits in 2018, the KCNA news agency said.
He also said that he will act despite the 'difficult situation’.
The exchange of "letters of friendship" with Kim was also confirmed by Moon`s office, said media reports.
"Kim Jong Un appreciated the pains and effort taken by Moon Jae-in for the great cause of the nation until the last days of his term of office," KCNA said.
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It also said that the exchange was an "expression of their deep trust."
The "era of confrontation" should be overcome with dialogue and the next administration should look to hold inter-Korean engagement, Moon said in the letter, spokeswoman Park Kyung-mee told a media briefing.
In reply on Thursday, Kim said their "historic" summits gave people "hope for the future". He also said, ties would develop if both sides "make tireless efforts with hope," KCNA reported.
(With inputs from agencies)