[SUMMIT] Text of opening remarks by two Korean leaders at summit.

By Park Sae-jin Posted : April 27, 2018, 13:04 Updated : April 27, 2018, 18:00

[Courtesy of the presidential Blue House]

 

SEOUL -- The unofficial translation of opening remarks made by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at the start of their summit in the truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

Kim:  "It took 11 years to organize this historic event. When I walked over here, I thought about why it took so long. Why was it so hard? There are many people who have great expectations. Even if we come up with our best agreements or documents like the previous meetings, I think people will be very disappointed if this meeting we cannot produce good results.

I walked down the 200-meter-long path immersed in many thoughts that it will be good to gather our will and meet regularly to solve problems so that our lost 11 years do not go to a waste. I came here with a determined mindset of firing a signal flare signaling the beginning of our new history.

Through this opportunity, I would like to return to the beginning like the pas and speak frankly about matters of mutual concern and achieve good results to keep up with people's expectations

Before my visit, I heard there were many discussions about the menu for dinner tonight. After much trouble, I brought here Naengmyeon (Korean noodles served in cold beef broth). This, which came from afar, Oh, I shouldn't say Pyongyang is far away. With a very serious and honest mind today, I would like to tell President Moon Jae-in and journalists that I will try to produce good results by focusing on good and necessary things. 

Moon: As if it is blessing our meeting today, the weather is great. The Korean peninsula is in full spring. The world is paying attention to us. Their eyes and ears are pointed here. Also, there are high expectations among people in South and North and those who are living overseas.

Chairman Kim Jong-un became the symbol of peace, not the symbol of division, the moment you crossed the military demarcation line for the first time as a North Korean leader. Watched by the world, you made a bold decision. I thank you once again.

I hope we will have bold talks today on this occasion and reach an agreement to present a big gift to all the people in the world who want peace. We have a whole day to talk about things we could not have for the past ten years. 

 
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