Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

North Korea and the U.S. hold de facto third summit at Freedom House … Trump invites Kim Jong-un to White house

On June 30, the leaders of Republic of Korea, the U.S. and North Korea held a historic meeting at Panmunjon, a symbol of division between South and North Korea. It was the first trilateral meeting since the Armistice Agreement signed in 1953.

U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un faced each other and shook hands over the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) dividing the two Koreas at Panmunjom. They then stepped across the line and entered the North. The two leaders then walked back to the South and met with President Moon Jae-in, who was waiting in front of Freedom House. This meeting of the three leaders marked a historic milestone.

"President Trump is the first U.S. president to set foot on North Korean soil. This is and expression of his willingness to move beyond an unfortunate past and open up a new future," Chairman Kim said. "It was a great honor to step across the borderline (MDL) at panmunjom. I would like to invite Chairman Kim, right not, to the White House," President Trump said. But Chairman Kim did not immediately reply.

The leaders of Republic of Korea, the U.S. and North Korea then walked together to Freedom House, and President Trump and Chairman Kim had a separate bilateral meeting after opening statements. In doing so, the two leaders essentially entered into a third U.S.-North Korea summit. The world is paying attention to the ripple effects this unheralded meeting will have on the future of the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

By Joo-Hyeong, Lee < jataka@dema.mil.kr >

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