Inter-Korean ministerial talks close
KCNA
Pyongyang, April 30 (KCNA) -- The tenth inter-Korean ministerial talks were held here from April 27 to 29.
At the talks, both sides had an exhaustive discussion on the matters raised and reached an agreement on major points with a common stand and will to sincerely implement the historic June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.
A joint press release was published at the talks.
According to it, the north and the south reconfirmed the basic spirit of the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration and agreed to invariably abide by the declaration and continue implementing it to the letter.
They also had an exhaustive discussion on their stands on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and agreed to continue to cooperate with each other in the efforts to settle the issue peacefully through dialogue.
They agreed to make sure that the June 15 Grand Festival for National Reunification to take place on the occasion of the third anniversary of the joint declaration is successfully held in an atmosphere of reconciliation and cooperation, and support each other so that the festival may be put on a regular basis.
Both sides agreed to have discussions on the participation of the north side's sporting and cheering groups in the Universiad to take place in Taegu in August. And it was agreed that the south side would provide all conveniences to them.
They decided to push ahead with the agreed cooperation projects which are now under way or under plan.
The two sides agreed to take relevant steps to successfully promote cooperation projects including an event for the reconnection of rail and road links in the east and west coastal areas, a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Zone, Mt. Kumgang tourism and compatriotic and humanitarian issues.
They also agreed to have the fifth meeting of the north-south committee for the promotion of economic cooperation in Pyongyang from may 19 to 22 with a view to discussing and settling the issues arising in economic cooperation.
They decided to push forward the settlement of the issue of separated families and relatives.
They agreed to have a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a reunion center for separated families and relatives at an early date and the seventh reunion of separated families and relatives at Mt. Kumgang resort on the occasion of the 3rd anniversary of the joint declaration.
They agreed to hold the 11th north-south ministerial talks in Seoul from July 9 to 12.
The adoption and publication of the joint press release reflecting the common stand of both sides at the 10th talks fully demonstrated the desire and will of the Korean nation to boost the north-south relations and work hard for reconciliation, unity and reunification in the basic spirit of the joint declaration no matter how the situation, circumstances and conditions may change at home and abroad.
