Global Geopolitical Series: South Korean delegations held successful talks with North’s Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un

According to reports in the local media, the special delegations of the South Korean president Moon Jae-in who traveled to its Northern neighbor, held successful talks with the Supreme leader of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong-Un.

A statement from North Korea’s official news agency said, “Respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, Monday hosted a dinner for the members of the delegation of the special envoy of the south Korean president on a visit to Pyongyang.

At the dinner hall, the Supreme Leader, together with his wife Ri Sol Ju, warmly greeted Jong Ui Yong, chief of the State Security Office of Chongwadae who is the special envoy of President Moon Jae In; So Hun, director of the National Intelligence Service; Chon Hae Song, vice-minister of Unification; Kim Sang Gyun, vice-director of the National Intelligence Service; and Yun Kon Yong, chief of the Office of State Affairs Situation of Chongwadae.

Attending there were Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the WPK; Kim Yo Jong, first vice department director of the Central Committee of the WPK; and officials concerned.

The dinner proceeded in a warm atmosphere overflowing with compatriotic feelings.”

According to South Korean media, Kim Jong-Un also reportedly reaffirmed his will to vigorously advance the north-south relations and write a new history of national reunification” According to reports, he has instructed relevant authorities to rapidly take practical steps to accelerate the talks. The sides also emphasized the importance of the new momentum in national reconciliation that was achieved during the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

The South Korean team is scheduled to have further talks with North Koreans on Tuesday, before heading home to Seoul. After Seoul, the South Korean delegation will visit the United States to brief US officials on the outcomes of their trip to North Korea.

While president Trump’s initial tough stance was criticized at home and abroad, it is clear that his move has started producing concrete results. Both the United States and North Korea has signaled willingness to sit down for talks. However, Trump has maintained his tough stance by warning of a possible “phase two” if sanctions imposed on North Korea do not have the desired effects.