N. Korea's Kim demands 'practical' measures to improve cross-border ties

By Lim Chang-won Posted : February 13, 2018, 08:38 Updated : February 13, 2018, 15:43

[Yonhap News Photo]


SEOUL, Feb. 13 (Aju News) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un demanded "practical" measures to improve inter-Korean relations, expressing satisfaction over a landmark trip by a high-level delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, the North's  state media reported Tuesday.

Kim received a report from the North's delegation, which returned home Sunday after a three-day stay in South Korea, and said that "very impressive were the features of the south side which specially prioritized the visit", according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"Noting that it is important to continue making good results by further livening up the warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue created by the strong desire and common will of the north and the south with the Winter Olympics as a momentum, he set forth in detail the orientation of the improvement of the north-south relations and gave important instructions to the relevant field to take practical measures for it," the leader was quoted as saying.

The leader's sister, Kim Yo-jong, "activated at the special instruction" of her brother, KCNA said, adding she made a detailed report on her contacts with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and other senior officials and Seoul's "intention and movement of the U.S. side and others which she grasped through her activities".

In a letter conveyed by her sister, Kim Jong-un invited Moon to a summit in Pyongyang and expressed his desire to improve relations which have been icy for nearly ten years mainly due to North Korea's nuclear and missile ambitions.

The leader's surprise decision to send athletes, cheerleaders, martial arts demonstrators and an art troupe caused a temporary thaw in cross-border ties. However, Moon gave no clear commitment, suggesting the North should also seek dialogue with the United States.






 
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