President Moon Jae-in is answering questions from the press at the 2020 New Year's press conference held at the Blue House's Yeongbingwan on the morning of the 14th. President Moon Jae-in said on the 14th, "Although inter-Korean relations are facing difficulties intertwined with the deadlock in North Korea-U.S. talks, we are moving forward with an optimistic outlook that things will work out well."
At the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House State Guest House that day, President Moon stated, "Efforts to increase cooperation through dialogue between the two Koreas are still ongoing."
President Moon emphasized the close relationship between North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump. He said, "When Chung Eui-yong, Director of the Blue House National Security Office, visited the U.S., President Trump unexpectedly called him into the Oval Office and specifically asked him to convey birthday greetings to Chairman Kim."
He continued, "Not satisfied with just that, President Trump also sent a separate letter with the same message," adding, "I evaluate this fact very positively."
President Moon said, "Many people were concerned that North Korea might provoke something on Chairman Kim's birthday, but President Trump emphasized his willingness to engage in dialogue by sending a congratulatory message on Kim's birthday."
President Moon also viewed the statement by Kim Kye-gwan, North Korea's Foreign Ministry Adviser, on the 10th positively.
He evaluated, "North Korea received the letter and responded immediately. They reiterated the friendship between the two leaders and, although they set the condition that dialogue can only happen if their demands are met, they clearly did not close the door to dialogue."
Then, President Moon emphasized, "Although North Korea-U.S. talks are not active, the trust between President Trump and Chairman Kim, who still want to continue dialogue, remains, and such efforts are ongoing."
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