Kim ‘impressed’ with South’s welcome
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said yesterday that it is important to continue a reconciliatory mood between the Koreas and expressed satisfaction with the North Korean delegation’s visit to the South, in his first remarks since the high-level guests led by his sister returned to the North.
The North’s state-owned Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim was impressed with Seoul’s welcome and treatment of the high-level delegation.
He expressed gratitude to the South for “making their possible and sincere efforts” for their guests from the North.
Kim emphasised the importance of continuing dialogue between two Koreas, according to the North’s official news agency.
North Korea sent its nominal head of state, Kim Yong Nam, and Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who extended an invitation to South Korean President Moon Jae In to visit Pyongyang for a summit in the near future.
Moon didn’t immediately accept the North Korean offer.
He said the Koreas should create an environment so that a meeting of the two leaders could take place. He also called for a quick resumption of dia- logue between North Korea and the United States, apparently aware that being friendly with the North could alienate an American ally critical to the defence of the South.
During a three-day visit, the delegation members sat among world dignitaries including the US VicePresident Mike Pence at the opening ceremony of PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, had lunch with Moon at his presidential palace and joined Moon in cheering for the first-ever inter-Korean Olympic team as it debuted in the women’s ice hockey tournament. — AP