South Korea will this week celebrate the first anniversary of a landmark summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- but Pyongyang may not take part, Seoul said Monday.

The pair held their first meeting on April 27 last year in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the peninsula amid a rapid diplomatic thaw, paving the way for a historic summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June.

But one year later, little progress has been made on North Korea's denuclearisation, with Pyongyang and Washington deadlocked since a second summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February broke down without a deal.

Moon, who brokered the first meeting between the two mercurial leaders, has tried to salvage the diplomacy although the North has remained largely unresponsive.

Since Hanoi, the North has not attended any of the eight regular weekly meetings of the heads of their joint liaison office in Kaesong and has not taken part in other joint projects, such as excavations in the DMZ.

Seoul will hold a ceremony on Saturday at Panmunjom -- where Moon and Kim exchanged warm smiles and brotherly hugs -- the unification ministry said, but whether Pyongyang would attend remained unclear.

"Our side notified (the North) about the April 27 anniversary ceremony" on Monday, the ministry said without giving further detail.

Moon and Kim met three times last year -- including a second impromptu encounter after Trump threatened to cancel the Singapore summit just weeks before it was due.

But exchanges between Seoul and Pyongyang have significantly decreased since the failure to reach agreement in Hanoi.

Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature earlier this month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator' and 'facilitator'" between the US and the North.

South Korea will this week celebrate the first anniversary of a landmark summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- but Pyongyang may not take part, Seoul said Monday.

South Korea will this week celebrate the first anniversary of a landmark summit between President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un -- but Pyongyang may not take part, Seoul said Monday. The pair held their first meeting on April 27 last year in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the peninsula amid a rapid diplomatic thaw, paving the way for a historic summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June. But one year later, little progress has been made on North Korea's denuclearisation, with Pyongyang and Washington deadlocked since a second summit between Trump and Kim in Hanoi in February broke down without a deal. Moon, who brokered the first meeting between the two mercurial leaders, has tried to salvage the diplomacy although the North has remained largely unresponsive. Since Hanoi, the North has not attended any of the eight regular weekly meetings of the heads of their joint liaison office in Kaesong and has not taken part in other joint projects, such as excavations in the DMZ. Seoul will hold a ceremony on Saturday at Panmunjom -- where Moon and Kim exchanged warm smiles and brotherly hugs -- the unification ministry said, but whether Pyongyang would attend remained unclear. "Our side notified (the North) about the April 27 anniversary ceremony" on Monday, the ministry said without giving further detail. Moon and Kim met three times last year -- including a second impromptu encounter after Trump threatened to cancel the Singapore summit just weeks before it was due. But exchanges between Seoul and Pyongyang have significantly decreased since the failure to reach agreement in Hanoi. Kim slammed the South in a speech to his country's rubber-stamp legislature earlier this month, saying it should not "pose as a meddlesome 'mediator' and 'facilitator'" between the US and the North.

South Korea to mark first summit anniversary, with or without North

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

Pyongyang is sanctioned over its weapons programme under multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which include curbs on shipments of oil and fuel to the isolated regime.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652">Also read:&nbsp;South Korea to launch </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652">world's</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/s-korea-to-launch-worlds-first-national-5g-networks-207652"> first national 5G network</a>

But the North has been seeking to get around the measures, with a recent UN report saying that Pyongyang was securing deliveries of fuel through ship-to-ship transfers in international waters.

Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean ship and three others had been detained in the country, &nbsp;suspected of undermining the economic measures against the North.

"This is the first time a South Korean vessel has been detained for allegedly violating UN sanctions," a ministry official told AFP.

The ship -- held in the southern port of Busan since last October -- is suspected of carrying out an illicit ship-to-ship transfer of oil to a North Korean tanker, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

If it is found to have made the transfer, the South Korean vessel would likely be blacklisted by the UN, Yonhap reported.

The foreign ministry official did not explain the delay in the authorities making the detention public.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sought to engage the North to bring it to the negotiating table, dangling economic carrots before it in the form of inter-Korean projects -- many of which would violate the current sanctions rules if implemented.

Questions were also raised over whether it had undermined the measures by providing supplies to set up an inter-Korean liaison office north of the border.

Last year three South Korean firms were caught importing millions of dollars worth of coal and iron from the North in 2017.

Immediate sanctions relief was a key demand of the cash-strapped North when leader Kim Jong Un met with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February for a second summit that ultimately broke down.

The US has since imposed sanctions on two Chinese shipping companies for doing business with North Korea, urging the maritime industry to do more to end Pyongyang's "illicit shipping practices".

A UN report issued last month highlighted the North's sanctions-evading tactics at sea and recommended member countries keep a closer watch over vessels in their own waters.

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday.

A South Korean ship has been detained for six months on suspicion of violating UN sanctions against the nuclear-armed North, Seoul's foreign ministry said Wednesday. Pyongyang is sanctioned over its weapons programme under multiple UN Security Council resolutions, which include curbs on shipments of oil and fuel to the isolated regime. Also read: South Korea to launch world's first national 5G network But the North has been seeking to get around the measures, with a recent UN report saying that Pyongyang was securing deliveries of fuel through ship-to-ship transfers in international waters. Seoul's foreign ministry said a South Korean ship and three others had been detained in the country, suspected of undermining the economic measures against the North. "This is the first time a South Korean vessel has been detained for allegedly violating UN sanctions," a ministry official told AFP. The ship -- held in the southern port of Busan since last October -- is suspected of carrying out an illicit ship-to-ship transfer of oil to a North Korean tanker, according to the Yonhap News Agency. If it is found to have made the transfer, the South Korean vessel would likely be blacklisted by the UN, Yonhap reported. The foreign ministry official did not explain the delay in the authorities making the detention public. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has sought to engage the North to bring it to the negotiating table, dangling economic carrots before it in the form of inter-Korean projects -- many of which would violate the current sanctions rules if implemented. Questions were also raised over whether it had undermined the measures by providing supplies to set up an inter-Korean liaison office north of the border. Last year three South Korean firms were caught importing millions of dollars worth of coal and iron from the North in 2017. Immediate sanctions relief was a key demand of the cash-strapped North when leader Kim Jong Un met with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February for a second summit that ultimately broke down. The US has since imposed sanctions on two Chinese shipping companies for doing business with North Korea, urging the maritime industry to do more to end Pyongyang's "illicit shipping practices". A UN report issued last month highlighted the North's sanctions-evading tactics at sea and recommended member countries keep a closer watch over vessels in their own waters.

South Korean ship detained for violating UN sanctions: Foreign ministry

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold a meeting with the leaders of 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in November this year, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-drops-new-north-korea-sanctions-because-he-likes-kim-white-house-204999">North Korean leader Kim Jong-un</a> also possibly in attendance during the summit.

Making the announcement, South Korea's Presidential office said that the special South Korea-ASEAN summit will be held at Busan, located around 450 km from Seoul, on November 25 and 26.&nbsp;

The meeting will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between South Korea and ASEAN, Yonhap News Agency reported.&nbsp;

"As the largest international conference to be held in our country since the launch of the incumbent administration, the summit is expected to review the development of South Korea-ASEAN relations over the past 30 years and suggest a new vision for development in the next 30 years," Yoon Do-han, the senior secretary to the President for Public Relations, told reporters here on Monday.

Later, an official from the Presidential office said that the meeting may also involve Kim. The official said that some ASEAN nations have mulled extending an invitation to the North Korean leader.

The ASEAN comprises 10 countries -- Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

"The country will begin consultations with ASEAN countries based on such proposal, and depending on the outcome of their consultations, the country may invite Chairman Kim Jong-un," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Moon has underlined the importance of ASEAN countries in its efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons, saying that all 10 ASEAN member countries maintain diplomatic ties with Pyongyang.

Moon and Kim have met thrice, with their latest meeting held in Pyongyang in September last year. The North Korean leader has expressed keenness to visit South Korea for the fourth meeting with the South Korean President.&nbsp;

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold a meeting with the leaders of 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in November this year, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also possibly in attendance during the summit.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold a meeting with the leaders of 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries in November this year, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un also possibly in attendance during the summit. Making the announcement, South Korea's Presidential office said that the special South Korea-ASEAN summit will be held at Busan, located around 450 km from Seoul, on November 25 and 26. The meeting will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between South Korea and ASEAN, Yonhap News Agency reported. "As the largest international conference to be held in our country since the launch of the incumbent administration, the summit is expected to review the development of South Korea-ASEAN relations over the past 30 years and suggest a new vision for development in the next 30 years," Yoon Do-han, the senior secretary to the President for Public Relations, told reporters here on Monday. Later, an official from the Presidential office said that the meeting may also involve Kim. The official said that some ASEAN nations have mulled extending an invitation to the North Korean leader. The ASEAN comprises 10 countries -- Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. "The country will begin consultations with ASEAN countries based on such proposal, and depending on the outcome of their consultations, the country may invite Chairman Kim Jong-un," the official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Moon has underlined the importance of ASEAN countries in its efforts to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons, saying that all 10 ASEAN member countries maintain diplomatic ties with Pyongyang. Moon and Kim have met thrice, with their latest meeting held in Pyongyang in September last year. The North Korean leader has expressed keenness to visit South Korea for the fourth meeting with the South Korean President.

Kim Jong Un may be invited to South Korea-ASEAN summit in November

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance.

Moon will meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump for a summit in Washington on April 11 to discuss North Korea and other alliance issues, the White House said on Friday.

"The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region," the White House said in a statement.

Trump's failure to seal a deal at his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February was a blow to Moon, who has been vocal in his conviction that Kim is willing to abandon his nuclear arsenal.

Washington and Seoul have also tussled over the cost of U.S. troops in South Korea, with Trump demanding that Seoul pay more toward maintaining some 28,500 of them.

Ahead of the Trump-Moon summit, South Korea said it was dispatching its foreign and defence ministers, among other senior officials, for meetings in Washington.

Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss ways to move forward after the failed Trump-Kim summit.

Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo will meet the U.S. acting secretary of defence, Patrick Shanahan, on Monday, the ministry said.

The lack of progress with North Korea has become a domestic problem for Moon, who has staked much of his political capital on improving relations with Pyongyang.

A Gallup poll released on Friday showed Moon's approval ratings hit a record low of 43 per cent as respondents complained about the lack of progress with North Korea while the economy suffers.

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance.

Senior South Korean officials, including President Moon Jae-in, are launching a series of meetings with their U.S. counterparts in a bid to jumpstart stalled denuclearisation talks with North Korea and mend fraying ties in their alliance. Moon will meet US President Donald Trump for a summit in Washington on April 11 to discuss North Korea and other alliance issues, the White House said on Friday. "The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea remains the linchpin of peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in the region," the White House said in a statement. Trump's failure to seal a deal at his second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February was a blow to Moon, who has been vocal in his conviction that Kim is willing to abandon his nuclear arsenal. Washington and Seoul have also tussled over the cost of U.S. troops in South Korea, with Trump demanding that Seoul pay more toward maintaining some 28,500 of them. Ahead of the Trump-Moon summit, South Korea said it was dispatching its foreign and defence ministers, among other senior officials, for meetings in Washington. Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday to discuss ways to move forward after the failed Trump-Kim summit. Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo will meet the U.S. acting secretary of defence, Patrick Shanahan, on Monday, the ministry said. The lack of progress with North Korea has become a domestic problem for Moon, who has staked much of his political capital on improving relations with Pyongyang. A Gallup poll released on Friday showed Moon's approval ratings hit a record low of 43 per cent as respondents complained about the lack of progress with North Korea while the economy suffers.

South Korea's Moon to meet Trump over stalled North Korea talks

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-is-closely-monitoring-north-korea-for-missile-launch-military-202538">South Korea</a>n president's approval rating dropped to its lowest level since he came to power, according to a poll published on Thursday, that indicated a growing scepticism concerning his commitment towards North Korea's denuclearization following the failed Hanoi summit between Pyongyang and Washington.

According to a Realmeter survey of 1,510 people, that was conducted earlier this week, Moon Jae-in had only 45 per cent support.

This is the lowest rating recorded since Moon took office in May 2017.

The figure is 1.3 percentage points down from the previous week's results and is said to be the third consecutive week in which his ratings have shown a decline.

Realmeter, a South Korean firm, indicated that the fall in President Moon's rating was because of doubts among the South Korean public regarding North Korea's intentions and Seoul's insistent policy of inter-Korean engagement.

Moon has been a key mediator in bringing Pyongyang to begin negotiations with Washington to try to agree to a disarmament pact.

However, the Hanoi summit held in February between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump ended without any agreements and brought out the differences between the two countries in coming to an agreement over the denuclearization process.

Moon said that "meaningful progress" was made during the Feb.27-28 summit in the Vietnamese capital which finished earlier than planned on the second day.

Last week, some satellite images showed activity at the missile facilities of the North Korean regime, indicating the possibility that the country could be preparing for the carrying out of new weapons tests and pressurizing Washington to resume dialogue as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party recorded an increase in its popularity by 1.9 percentage points in comparison with the records of the previous week and marked an approval rating of 32.3 per cent.

However, the support for the ruling Democratic Party remained unchanged at 37.2 per cent.

The poll results show the lowest gap between the two parties - with 4.9 percentage points - since Moon took charge.

The South Korean president's approval rating dropped to its lowest level since he came to power, according to a poll published on Thursday, that indicated a growing scepticism concerning his commitment towards North Korea's denuclearization following the failed Hanoi summit between Pyongyang and Washington.

The South Korean president's approval rating dropped to its lowest level since he came to power, according to a poll published on Thursday, that indicated a growing scepticism concerning his commitment towards North Korea's denuclearization following the failed Hanoi summit between Pyongyang and Washington. According to a Realmeter survey of 1,510 people, that was conducted earlier this week, Moon Jae-in had only 45 per cent support. This is the lowest rating recorded since Moon took office in May 2017. The figure is 1.3 percentage points down from the previous week's results and is said to be the third consecutive week in which his ratings have shown a decline. Realmeter, a South Korean firm, indicated that the fall in President Moon's rating was because of doubts among the South Korean public regarding North Korea's intentions and Seoul's insistent policy of inter-Korean engagement. Moon has been a key mediator in bringing Pyongyang to begin negotiations with Washington to try to agree to a disarmament pact. However, the Hanoi summit held in February between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump ended without any agreements and brought out the differences between the two countries in coming to an agreement over the denuclearization process. Moon said that "meaningful progress" was made during the Feb.27-28 summit in the Vietnamese capital which finished earlier than planned on the second day. Last week, some satellite images showed activity at the missile facilities of the North Korean regime, indicating the possibility that the country could be preparing for the carrying out of new weapons tests and pressurizing Washington to resume dialogue as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party recorded an increase in its popularity by 1.9 percentage points in comparison with the records of the previous week and marked an approval rating of 32.3 per cent. However, the support for the ruling Democratic Party remained unchanged at 37.2 per cent. The poll results show the lowest gap between the two parties - with 4.9 percentage points - since Moon took charge.

South Korea President Moon Jae-in's approval rating drops to lowest level after Hanoi summit

North Korea has restored part of a missile launch site it began to dismantle after pledging to do so in a first summit with US President Donald Trump last year, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency and two US think tanks reported on Tuesday.

Yonhap quoted lawmakers briefed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) as saying that the work was taking place at the Tongchang-ri launch site and involved replacing a roof and a door at the facility.

Satellite images seen by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project, showed that structures on the launch pad had been rebuilt sometime between Feb. 16 and March 2, Jenny Town, managing editor at the project and an analyst at the Stimson Center think tank, told Reuters.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies released a report, also citing satellite imagery, that concluded North Korea is "pursuing a rapid rebuilding" at the site.

"Activity is evident at the vertical engine test stand and the launch pad's rail-mounted rocket transfer structure," the CSIS report said. "Significantly, the environmental shelters on the umbilical tower, which are normally closed, have been opened to show the launch pad."

The news comes days after a second summit on denuclearisation between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un broke down over differences on how far North Korea was willing to limit its nuclear programme and the degree of US willingness to ease sanctions.

The summit took place in Hanoi on February 27 and 28.

Trump told a news conference after an unprecedented first summit with Kim on June 12 in Singapore that the North Korean leader had promised that a major missile engine testing site would be destroyed very soon.

Trump did not identify the site, but a US official subsequently told Reuters it was the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, which is located at Tongchang-ri.

Asked to comment, the White House referred to the US State Department, which did not immediately respond.

A US government source said the NIS was considered reliable on such issues, but added that the work described did not seem particularly alarming, and certainly not on a scale of resuming missile tests that have been suspended since 2017.

Future dialogue?

Kim Jong-un also pledged at a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in September to close Sohae and allow international experts to observe the dismantling of the missile engine-testing site and a launch pad.

Signs that North Korea had begun acting on its pledge to Trump were detected in July when a Washington think tank said satellite images indicated work had begun at Sohae to dismantle a building used to assemble space-launch vehicles and a nearby rocket engine test stand used to develop liquid-fuel engines for ballistic missiles and space-launch vehicles.

However, subsequent images indicated North Korea had halted work to dismantle the missile engine test site in the first part of August.

The fact that the site had been dormant since August indicates the new activity is "deliberate and purposeful," the CSIS report said.

The breakdown of the summit in Hanoi last week has raised questions about the future of US-North Korea dialogue.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he was hopeful he would send a delegation to North Korea in the coming weeks but that he had "no commitment yet."

While North Korea's official media said last week Kim and Trump had decided at the summit to continue talks, its Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told reporters Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" and questioned the need to continue.

US&nbsp;State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing that the United States remains "in regular contact" with North Korea, but he declined to say whether they had been in contact since the summit.

Palladino said US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, who led pre-summit negotiation efforts, planned to meet his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Wednesday.

Yonhap also quoted lawmakers briefed by intelligence officials as saying that the five-megawatt reactor at North Korea's main nuclear site at Yongbyon, which produces weapons-grade plutonium used to build bombs, had not been operational since late last year, concurring with a report from the UN atomic watchdog.

Yonhap quoted the sources as saying there had been no sign of reprocessing of plutonium from the reactor and that tunnels at North Korea's main nuclear test site in Punggye-ri had remained shut down and unattended since their widely publicized destruction in May, which Pyongyang said was proof of its commitment to ending nuclear testing.

The fate of the Yongbyon nuclear complex and its possible dismantling was a central issue in the Hanoi summit.

North Korea has restored part of a missile launch site it began to dismantle after pledging to do so in a first summit with US President Donald Trump last year, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency and two US think tanks reported on Tuesday.

North Korea has restored part of a missile launch site it began to dismantle after pledging to do so in a first summit with US President Donald Trump last year, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency and two US think tanks reported on Tuesday. Yonhap quoted lawmakers briefed by South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) as saying that the work was taking place at the Tongchang-ri launch site and involved replacing a roof and a door at the facility. Satellite images seen by 38 North, a Washington-based North Korea project, showed that structures on the launch pad had been rebuilt sometime between Feb. 16 and March 2, Jenny Town, managing editor at the project and an analyst at the Stimson Center think tank, told Reuters. The Center for Strategic and International Studies released a report, also citing satellite imagery, that concluded North Korea is "pursuing a rapid rebuilding" at the site. "Activity is evident at the vertical engine test stand and the launch pad's rail-mounted rocket transfer structure," the CSIS report said. "Significantly, the environmental shelters on the umbilical tower, which are normally closed, have been opened to show the launch pad." The news comes days after a second summit on denuclearisation between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un broke down over differences on how far North Korea was willing to limit its nuclear programme and the degree of US willingness to ease sanctions. The summit took place in Hanoi on February 27 and 28. Trump told a news conference after an unprecedented first summit with Kim on June 12 in Singapore that the North Korean leader had promised that a major missile engine testing site would be destroyed very soon. Trump did not identify the site, but a US official subsequently told Reuters it was the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground, which is located at Tongchang-ri. Asked to comment, the White House referred to the US State Department, which did not immediately respond. A US government source said the NIS was considered reliable on such issues, but added that the work described did not seem particularly alarming, and certainly not on a scale of resuming missile tests that have been suspended since 2017. Future dialogue? Kim Jong-un also pledged at a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in September to close Sohae and allow international experts to observe the dismantling of the missile engine-testing site and a launch pad. Signs that North Korea had begun acting on its pledge to Trump were detected in July when a Washington think tank said satellite images indicated work had begun at Sohae to dismantle a building used to assemble space-launch vehicles and a nearby rocket engine test stand used to develop liquid-fuel engines for ballistic missiles and space-launch vehicles. However, subsequent images indicated North Korea had halted work to dismantle the missile engine test site in the first part of August. The fact that the site had been dormant since August indicates the new activity is "deliberate and purposeful," the CSIS report said. The breakdown of the summit in Hanoi last week has raised questions about the future of US-North Korea dialogue. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday he was hopeful he would send a delegation to North Korea in the coming weeks but that he had "no commitment yet." While North Korea's official media said last week Kim and Trump had decided at the summit to continue talks, its Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told reporters Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" and questioned the need to continue. US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino told a news briefing that the United States remains "in regular contact" with North Korea, but he declined to say whether they had been in contact since the summit. Palladino said US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun, who led pre-summit negotiation efforts, planned to meet his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Wednesday. Yonhap also quoted lawmakers briefed by intelligence officials as saying that the five-megawatt reactor at North Korea's main nuclear site at Yongbyon, which produces weapons-grade plutonium used to build bombs, had not been operational since late last year, concurring with a report from the UN atomic watchdog. Yonhap quoted the sources as saying there had been no sign of reprocessing of plutonium from the reactor and that tunnels at North Korea's main nuclear test site in Punggye-ri had remained shut down and unattended since their widely publicized destruction in May, which Pyongyang said was proof of its commitment to ending nuclear testing. The fate of the Yongbyon nuclear complex and its possible dismantling was a central issue in the Hanoi summit.

North Korea rebuilding main missile site launch it promised Trump to dismantle: Report

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea.

The decision comes days after the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they would keep talking.

Trump has ruled out withdrawing any of the 28,500 US forces based in South Korea to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950.

Any such drawdown would face strong pushback from the US Congress and Japan, whose conservative government is deeply wary of North Korea's intentions.

But the US president has complained repeatedly over the cost of the military drills, which Pyongyang has always condemned as provocative rehearsals for invasion.

During a Saturday phone call between South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his US counterpart Patrick Shanahan, "both sides decided to conclude the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle series of exercises," according to a Pentagon statement.&nbsp;

Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies and has always infuriated Pyongyang.&nbsp;

In the past, it has involved 200,000 South Korean forces and some 30,000 US soldiers.

It is accompanied by Key Resolve, a computer-simulated war game conducted by military commanders which usually begins in March and runs for about 10 days.

The two allies will instead carry out "adjusted outside manoeuvre training and united command exercises to continue firm military readiness", Seoul's defence ministry said Sunday.

The decision was reached to support ongoing diplomatic efforts for North Korea's denuclearisation and ease military tensions with the North, it added.&nbsp;

Combat readiness

Opponents of scrapping the drills have warned that it could impact the combat readiness of the combined US and South Korean forces and hand the North a strategic advantage on the divided peninsula, but most analysts said such concerns were exaggerated.

"Suspending or downgrading the US-South Korean drills may hurt the readiness of the two militaries, but I don't think it's going to be a serious security threat to South Korea," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP.&nbsp;

"The South's conventional forces outclass the North's, and given the current situation (with the US and the existing sanctions), it's highly unlikely that Pyongyang will do anything with its nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future," he added.

Washington has sought to end long-running tensions on the peninsula and encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear programme.

Since Trump's first summit with Kim last year in Singapore, in which both leaders signed a vaguely-worded commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the US and Seoul have scaled back or scrapped several joint military drills, and US bombers are no longer flying over South Korea.

"Not downgrading or suspending the drills at this point... would mean the involved countries are not serious" about reaching a denuclearisation accord, said University of North Korean Studies professor Yang Moo-jin.

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea.

The US and South Korea said Sunday they will end their annual large-scale joint military exercises as Washington pursues efforts to improve ties with North Korea. The decision comes days after the conclusion of US President Donald Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi, which ended without a formal agreement but with both sides suggesting they would keep talking. Trump has ruled out withdrawing any of the 28,500 US forces based in South Korea to defend it from its nuclear-armed neighbour, which invaded in 1950. Any such drawdown would face strong pushback from the US Congress and Japan, whose conservative government is deeply wary of North Korea's intentions. But the US president has complained repeatedly over the cost of the military drills, which Pyongyang has always condemned as provocative rehearsals for invasion. During a Saturday phone call between South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and his US counterpart Patrick Shanahan, "both sides decided to conclude the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle series of exercises," according to a Pentagon statement. Foal Eagle is the biggest of the regular joint exercises held by the allies and has always infuriated Pyongyang. In the past, it has involved 200,000 South Korean forces and some 30,000 US soldiers. It is accompanied by Key Resolve, a computer-simulated war game conducted by military commanders which usually begins in March and runs for about 10 days. The two allies will instead carry out "adjusted outside manoeuvre training and united command exercises to continue firm military readiness", Seoul's defence ministry said Sunday. The decision was reached to support ongoing diplomatic efforts for North Korea's denuclearisation and ease military tensions with the North, it added. Combat readiness Opponents of scrapping the drills have warned that it could impact the combat readiness of the combined US and South Korean forces and hand the North a strategic advantage on the divided peninsula, but most analysts said such concerns were exaggerated. "Suspending or downgrading the US-South Korean drills may hurt the readiness of the two militaries, but I don't think it's going to be a serious security threat to South Korea," Ahn Chan-il, the president of the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul, told AFP. "The South's conventional forces outclass the North's, and given the current situation (with the US and the existing sanctions), it's highly unlikely that Pyongyang will do anything with its nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future," he added. Washington has sought to end long-running tensions on the peninsula and encourage North Korea to scrap its nuclear programme. Since Trump's first summit with Kim last year in Singapore, in which both leaders signed a vaguely-worded commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, the US and Seoul have scaled back or scrapped several joint military drills, and US bombers are no longer flying over South Korea. "Not downgrading or suspending the drills at this point... would mean the involved countries are not serious" about reaching a denuclearisation accord, said University of North Korean Studies professor Yang Moo-jin.

US, South Korea to end key joint military exercises

South Korea will work with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/our-stance-will-never-change-even-if-us-seeks-further-talks-north-korea-on-us-sanctions-relief-200370">United States and North Korea</a> to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions.

A second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Vietnam, was cut short after they failed to reach a deal on the extent of sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to dismantle its nuclear programme.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has been an active supporter of efforts to end confrontation on the Korean peninsula, meeting Kim three times last year and trying to facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the United States.

"My administration will closely communicate and cooperate with the United States and North Korea so as to help their talks reach a complete settlement by any means," Moon said in a speech in the South Korean capital, Seoul.

Moon also said South Korea would consult with the United States on ways to resume joint projects with the North including tourism development at Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex, both in North Korea.

The Hanoi summit came eight months after Trump and Kim met for the first time in Singapore and agreed to establish new relations and peace in exchange for a North Korean commitment to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Trump said two days of talks had made good progress but it was important not to rush into a bad deal. He said he had walked away because of unacceptable North Korean demands.

"It was all about the sanctions," Trump told a news conference after the talks were cut short. "Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, and we couldn't do that."

'Biggest step'

However, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told a midnight news conference after Trump left Hanoi that North Korea had sought only a partial lifting of sanctions "related to people's livelihoods and unrelated to military sanctions".

He said North Korea had offered a realistic proposal involving the dismantling of all of its main nuclear site at Yongbyon, including plutonium and uranium facilities, by engineers from both countries.

"This is the biggest denuclearisation step we can take based on the current level of trust between the two countries," Ri said.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told the same briefing she had the impression that Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" after the U.S. side rejected a partial lifting of sanctions in return for the destruction of Yongbyon, "something we had never offered before".

But despite raising that doubt, both sides indicated they wanted to maintain the momentum and press on.

North Korean media adopted a conciliatory tone.

The state KCNA news agency said Kim and Trump had a constructive and sincere exchange and decided to continue productive talks, without mentioning that the talks ended abruptly with no agreement.

Kim, who is due to leave Vietnam on Saturday, also expressed gratitude to Trump for travelling so far and actively putting in efforts to get results, KCNA added.

'Opportunity to talk'

A US&nbsp;Sate Department official said the North Korean media report had been "quite constructive".

"(It) suggests to me that like us there’s still ample opportunity to talk," the official, who declined to be identified, told reporters.

North Korea had proposed closing part of its Yongbyon nuclear complex in exchange for the lifting of all UN sanctions except those directly targeting their weapons of mass destruction programmes, the official said.

The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state conducted repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources of hard cash.

"The dilemma that we were confronted with is the North Koreans at this point are unwilling to impose a complete freeze on their weapons of mass destruction programmes," the official told reporters.

"So to give many, many billions of dollars in sanctions relief would in effect put us in a position of subsidising the ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Analysts estimate North Korea may have a nuclear arsenal of 20 to 60 weapons which, if fitted to intercontinental ballistic missiles it has developed, could threaten the US mainland.

The collapse of the summit leaves Kim in possession of that arsenal though Trump said the North Korean leader had agreed to maintain his moratorium on nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

Trump spoke to the leaders of South Korea and Japan on his way back from Hanoi and told them the United States would work with them and talk to North Korea, the White House said.

Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer who accused him of breaking the law while in office.

South Korea will work with the United States and North Korea to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions.

South Korea will work with the United States and North Korea to ensure they reach agreement on denuclearisation, the South's president said on Friday, a day after talks between the US and North Korean leaders collapsed over sanctions. A second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Vietnam, was cut short after they failed to reach a deal on the extent of sanctions relief North Korea would get in exchange for steps to dismantle its nuclear programme. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in has been an active supporter of efforts to end confrontation on the Korean peninsula, meeting Kim three times last year and trying to facilitate his nuclear negotiations with the United States. "My administration will closely communicate and cooperate with the United States and North Korea so as to help their talks reach a complete settlement by any means," Moon said in a speech in the South Korean capital, Seoul. Moon also said South Korea would consult with the United States on ways to resume joint projects with the North including tourism development at Mount Kumgang and the Kaesong industrial complex, both in North Korea. The Hanoi summit came eight months after Trump and Kim met for the first time in Singapore and agreed to establish new relations and peace in exchange for a North Korean commitment to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Trump said two days of talks had made good progress but it was important not to rush into a bad deal. He said he had walked away because of unacceptable North Korean demands. "It was all about the sanctions," Trump told a news conference after the talks were cut short. "Basically, they wanted the sanctions lifted in their entirety, and we couldn't do that." 'Biggest step' However, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho told a midnight news conference after Trump left Hanoi that North Korea had sought only a partial lifting of sanctions "related to people's livelihoods and unrelated to military sanctions". He said North Korea had offered a realistic proposal involving the dismantling of all of its main nuclear site at Yongbyon, including plutonium and uranium facilities, by engineers from both countries. "This is the biggest denuclearisation step we can take based on the current level of trust between the two countries," Ri said. North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui told the same briefing she had the impression that Kim "might lose his willingness to pursue a deal" after the U.S. side rejected a partial lifting of sanctions in return for the destruction of Yongbyon, "something we had never offered before". But despite raising that doubt, both sides indicated they wanted to maintain the momentum and press on. North Korean media adopted a conciliatory tone. The state KCNA news agency said Kim and Trump had a constructive and sincere exchange and decided to continue productive talks, without mentioning that the talks ended abruptly with no agreement. Kim, who is due to leave Vietnam on Saturday, also expressed gratitude to Trump for travelling so far and actively putting in efforts to get results, KCNA added. 'Opportunity to talk' A US Sate Department official said the North Korean media report had been "quite constructive". "(It) suggests to me that like us there’s still ample opportunity to talk," the official, who declined to be identified, told reporters. North Korea had proposed closing part of its Yongbyon nuclear complex in exchange for the lifting of all UN sanctions except those directly targeting their weapons of mass destruction programmes, the official said. The United Nations and the United States ratcheted up sanctions on North Korea when the reclusive state conducted repeated nuclear and ballistic missile tests in 2017, cutting off its main sources of hard cash. "The dilemma that we were confronted with is the North Koreans at this point are unwilling to impose a complete freeze on their weapons of mass destruction programmes," the official told reporters. "So to give many, many billions of dollars in sanctions relief would in effect put us in a position of subsidising the ongoing development of weapons of mass destruction," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Analysts estimate North Korea may have a nuclear arsenal of 20 to 60 weapons which, if fitted to intercontinental ballistic missiles it has developed, could threaten the US mainland. The collapse of the summit leaves Kim in possession of that arsenal though Trump said the North Korean leader had agreed to maintain his moratorium on nuclear and ballistic missile tests. Trump spoke to the leaders of South Korea and Japan on his way back from Hanoi and told them the United States would work with them and talk to North Korea, the White House said. Failure to reach an agreement marks a setback for Trump, a self-styled dealmaker under pressure at home over his ties to Russia and testimony from Michael Cohen, his former personal lawyer who accused him of breaking the law while in office.

South Korea to work with US and North Korea after failed nuclear talks

Hopes that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-happy-if-north-korea-doesnt-test-weapons-peace-deal-a-possibility-199577">Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un</a> will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement.

The devastating conflict between communist North Korea, backed by China, and the capitalist South, aided by the United States, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving Pyongyang and Washington still technically at war.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-could-become-great-economic-power-without-nukes-trump-199406">North Korea could become 'great economic power' without nukes, says Trump</a>

"I believe that the possibility is there," the South's presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters about a formal declaration.

"There is no way of knowing what kind of declaration it might be, but I believe the US and North Korea may reach an agreement."

President Moon Jae-in said in October "it was only a matter of time" before Washington and Pyongyang declared an end to the war.

The US has also struck an upbeat tone. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea, said earlier this month that Trump was "ready to end this war", fuelling speculation that the formal end of the conflict may be near.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">Why China remains key player as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/why-china-remains-key-player-as-us-north-korea-meet-199202">, North Korea meet</a>

Kim, the leader of North Korea, is due to meet the US president in the Vietnamese capital on Wednesday and Thursday, where it is hoped the pair will make progress in talks on denuclearisation, and a possible peace treaty.

But Blue House spokesman Kim said even if the US and North Korean leaders declare the end of the Korean War, a formal peace treaty will likely be signed at the "last stage of the denuclearisation process" of the Korean peninsula -- and may take a long time to materialise.&nbsp;

"A peace treaty and a declaration of the end of the war are different," he said, adding that the treaty must be a "multilateral effort" involving South Korea and China.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">I don't want my children to bear </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161">burden</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/i-dont-want-my-children-to-bear-burden-of-nuclear-arms-says-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-199161"> of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un</a>

North Korea, the US-led United Nations Command and China were all signatories to the armistice.

The Hanoi summit comes after Trump and Kim met in June in Singapore, producing a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation, but progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what the agreement meant.

Observers say tangible progress is needed in Hanoi to avoid the talks being dismissed as a publicity stunt.

Meanwhile the respected US-based website 38 North reported on Monday there is no indication Pyongyang is operating its nuclear reactors at the Yongbyon complex.

The dismantling of the complex is expected to be among the key denuclearisation steps that the US and North Korean leaders will likely discuss in Hanoi.

"There is no steam venting from the generator hall, nor is there any hot water effluent at the cooling water outfall pipe," the website said.

Hopes that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement.

Hopes that Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un will formally declare an end to the 1950-53 Korean War at the Hanoi summit rose Monday after South Korea said the two leaders could reach an agreement. The devastating conflict between communist North Korea, backed by China, and the capitalist South, aided by the United States, ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving Pyongyang and Washington still technically at war. Also read: North Korea could become 'great economic power' without nukes, says Trump "I believe that the possibility is there," the South's presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told reporters about a formal declaration. "There is no way of knowing what kind of declaration it might be, but I believe the US and North Korea may reach an agreement." President Moon Jae-in said in October "it was only a matter of time" before Washington and Pyongyang declared an end to the war. The US has also struck an upbeat tone. Stephen Biegun, the US special envoy for North Korea, said earlier this month that Trump was "ready to end this war", fuelling speculation that the formal end of the conflict may be near. Also read: Why China remains key player as US, North Korea meet Kim, the leader of North Korea, is due to meet the US president in the Vietnamese capital on Wednesday and Thursday, where it is hoped the pair will make progress in talks on denuclearisation, and a possible peace treaty. But Blue House spokesman Kim said even if the US and North Korean leaders declare the end of the Korean War, a formal peace treaty will likely be signed at the "last stage of the denuclearisation process" of the Korean peninsula -- and may take a long time to materialise. "A peace treaty and a declaration of the end of the war are different," he said, adding that the treaty must be a "multilateral effort" involving South Korea and China. Also read: I don't want my children to bear burden of nuclear arms, says North Korea's Kim Jong-un North Korea, the US-led United Nations Command and China were all signatories to the armistice. The Hanoi summit comes after Trump and Kim met in June in Singapore, producing a vaguely worded agreement on denuclearisation, but progress has since stalled, with the two sides disagreeing over what the agreement meant. Observers say tangible progress is needed in Hanoi to avoid the talks being dismissed as a publicity stunt. Meanwhile the respected US-based website 38 North reported on Monday there is no indication Pyongyang is operating its nuclear reactors at the Yongbyon complex. The dismantling of the complex is expected to be among the key denuclearisation steps that the US and North Korean leaders will likely discuss in Hanoi. "There is no steam venting from the generator hall, nor is there any hot water effluent at the cooling water outfall pipe," the website said.

Korean War could be declared over at Hanoi summit: South Korea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday ended his two-day visit to South Korea. The key highlights of the last day of his visit included bilateral talks with President Moon Jae-in and the Seoul Peace Prize ceremony.

PM Modi on Friday was honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize, becoming the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-becomes-first-indian-to-receive-seoul-peace-prize-198887">14th recipient of the award</a> since 1990 when the award was established to commemorate the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea. The Peace Prize was conferred in recognition of PM's efforts for regional stability, world peace and economic policies that have improved the lives of Indians. He also becomes the first Indian ever to receive the award.&nbsp;

While accepting the award, the Prime Minister said, "this award belongs not to me personally, but to the people of India" for the "the success that India has achieved in less than five years, powered by the strengths and skills of one point three billion Indians".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-has-to-move-beyond-talks-on-terror-pm-modi-in-south-korea-198869">Highlighting the issue of cross border terror while receiving the peace prize</a>, PM said, "Like Korea, India has also suffered the pain of cross-border strife. Our endeavour towards peaceful development has only too often been de-railed by cross-border terrorism. While India has been the victim of cross-border terrorism for over 40 years, all nations today face this grave threat which respects no borders.".

Calling on those who "believe in humanity to join hands" to completely "eradicate terrorist networks and their financing, supply channels, terrorist ideology and propaganda" PM said, "Only by doing so can we replace hate with harmony; destruction with development; and transform the landscape of violence and vendetta into a postcard for peace."

India has been highlighting the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan to the world community in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack for which Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has taken the responsibility.

On the Korean peace process, PM Modi lauded South Korean President Moon Jae-in and said he deserves "all the praise for the role he has played in overcoming the legacy of mutual distrust and suspicion between DPRK and the international community and bringing them on the discussion table" which is "no small achievement." He also stated the Indian government's "strong support to the ongoing dialogue process" between the two Koreas, the DPRK and the US.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam on February 27 and 28. They met last year in Singapore for the first summit.

The Prime Minister also spoke on India's economic success saying "India’s growth story is not only good for the people of India but also for the entire world" since "We live in an increasingly connected world."

Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-Moon, Kofi Annan. Four of the recipients of the Seoul Peace Prize later got the Nobel Peace Prize. $200,000 (1 crore 35 lakh rupees) award money will be given for 'Namami Gange' project for the cleaning of river Ganga.

Earlier in the day, PM held a bilateral meeting with President Moon at the Blue House which is the official residence of the South Korean President. In the press statement, PM Modi thanked "President Moon for his support" on the issue of denouncing terror and said that the "world has to move beyond just talks now." President Moon Jae-In also condemned the Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

India's Home Ministry and South Korea's national police signed an MoU on "Transnational crimes and police cooperation" to act tough on terror. PM Modi emphasised economic cooperation and stated, "the South Korean model is the best for India"

India is among the top 10 trade partners of South Korea and the 6th largest export destination for Korean goods. The trade volume between the two nations reached 21.5 billion dollars for the calendar year 2018 with both aiming to achieve $50 billion trade by 2030. Both sides have also fast-tracked the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The Prime Minister further said, "India's Act East and Korea's new southern policy is strengthening and giving depth to the strategic partnership between the two countries".&nbsp;

PM Modi reiterated India's policy on the inclusivity and centrality of the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN. The MoUs between India and South Korea were signed in the field of trade and industry, startup, communication.

The Prime Minister started his day by paying his respects at the National Cemetery in Seoul.&nbsp;

On day one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed South Korean business leaders, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University and interacted with the Indian community in the country.

Addressing the Indian community in the evening, a permanent fixture in his agenda overseas, he talked about economic reforms brought about by his government and how Goods and Service Tax (GST) united the country economically. He said, "India is the brightest spot for investment in the world".

At the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University the Prime Minister, in the presence of the South Korean President, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Established in 1885, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling event the PM said, "the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi can show the way in dealing with issues like climate change and terror."&nbsp;

PM Modi also addressed South Korean business leaders at the India-Korea Business Symposium and launched the India-Korea Startup Hub.

The Prime Minister also gifted a sapling of holy Bodhi tree to the people of Kimhae through the mayor of Kimhae Heo Seong Gon. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India, it is believed that Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had gone there in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro and started a dynasty. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea.&nbsp;

PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015 while South Korean president Moon Jae-in visited India in July 2018.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday ended his two-day visit to South Korea. The key highlights of the last day of his visit included bilateral talks with President Moon Jae-in and the Seoul Peace Prize ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday ended his two-day visit to South Korea. The key highlights of the last day of his visit included bilateral talks with President Moon Jae-in and the Seoul Peace Prize ceremony. PM Modi on Friday was honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize, becoming the 14th recipient of the award since 1990 when the award was established to commemorate the 1988 Olympic Games in South Korea. The Peace Prize was conferred in recognition of PM's efforts for regional stability, world peace and economic policies that have improved the lives of Indians. He also becomes the first Indian ever to receive the award. While accepting the award, the Prime Minister said, "this award belongs not to me personally, but to the people of India" for the "the success that India has achieved in less than five years, powered by the strengths and skills of one point three billion Indians". Highlighting the issue of cross border terror while receiving the peace prize, PM said, "Like Korea, India has also suffered the pain of cross-border strife. Our endeavour towards peaceful development has only too often been de-railed by cross-border terrorism. While India has been the victim of cross-border terrorism for over 40 years, all nations today face this grave threat which respects no borders.". Calling on those who "believe in humanity to join hands" to completely "eradicate terrorist networks and their financing, supply channels, terrorist ideology and propaganda" PM said, "Only by doing so can we replace hate with harmony; destruction with development; and transform the landscape of violence and vendetta into a postcard for peace." India has been highlighting the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan to the world community in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack for which Pakistan based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad has taken the responsibility. On the Korean peace process, PM Modi lauded South Korean President Moon Jae-in and said he deserves "all the praise for the role he has played in overcoming the legacy of mutual distrust and suspicion between DPRK and the international community and bringing them on the discussion table" which is "no small achievement." He also stated the Indian government's "strong support to the ongoing dialogue process" between the two Koreas, the DPRK and the US. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is all set to met US President Donald Trump for the second US-North Korea summit in Vietnam on February 27 and 28. They met last year in Singapore for the first summit. The Prime Minister also spoke on India's economic success saying "India’s growth story is not only good for the people of India but also for the entire world" since "We live in an increasingly connected world." Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-Moon, Kofi Annan. Four of the recipients of the Seoul Peace Prize later got the Nobel Peace Prize. $200,000 (1 crore 35 lakh rupees) award money will be given for 'Namami Gange' project for the cleaning of river Ganga. Earlier in the day, PM held a bilateral meeting with President Moon at the Blue House which is the official residence of the South Korean President. In the press statement, PM Modi thanked "President Moon for his support" on the issue of denouncing terror and said that the "world has to move beyond just talks now." President Moon Jae-In also condemned the Pulwama terror attack. India's Home Ministry and South Korea's national police signed an MoU on "Transnational crimes and police cooperation" to act tough on terror. PM Modi emphasised economic cooperation and stated, "the South Korean model is the best for India" India is among the top 10 trade partners of South Korea and the 6th largest export destination for Korean goods. The trade volume between the two nations reached 21.5 billion dollars for the calendar year 2018 with both aiming to achieve $50 billion trade by 2030. Both sides have also fast-tracked the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The Prime Minister further said, "India's Act East and Korea's new southern policy is strengthening and giving depth to the strategic partnership between the two countries". PM Modi reiterated India's policy on the inclusivity and centrality of the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN. The MoUs between India and South Korea were signed in the field of trade and industry, startup, communication. The Prime Minister started his day by paying his respects at the National Cemetery in Seoul. On day one, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed South Korean business leaders, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University and interacted with the Indian community in the country. Addressing the Indian community in the evening, a permanent fixture in his agenda overseas, he talked about economic reforms brought about by his government and how Goods and Service Tax (GST) united the country economically. He said, "India is the brightest spot for investment in the world". At the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University the Prime Minister, in the presence of the South Korean President, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi. Established in 1885, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Speaking at the unveiling event the PM said, "the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi can show the way in dealing with issues like climate change and terror." PM Modi also addressed South Korean business leaders at the India-Korea Business Symposium and launched the India-Korea Startup Hub. The Prime Minister also gifted a sapling of holy Bodhi tree to the people of Kimhae through the mayor of Kimhae Heo Seong Gon. Kimhae city has a historic connect with India, it is believed that Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya had gone there in 48 CE and married Korean King Suro and started a dynasty. Princess Suriratna is known as Heo Hwang-ok in South Korea. PM Modi had visited South Korea in May 2015 while South Korean president Moon Jae-in visited India in July 2018.

PM Modi wraps two-day visit to South Korea, highlights issue of cross-border terror 

Prime Minister&nbsp;Modi on Friday was conferred the Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea.

The prize, which was&nbsp;announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, was given to PM Modi today in a brief ceremony today.

The Prime Minister is the 14th recipient of the prestigious peace award and is the first Indian to receive it.&nbsp;

PM Modi, during his speech right after accepting the award, stated that the honour has not just been given to him but to the people of India. He thanked South Korea for honouring him with the peace award.

"This award does not belong to me personally but to the people of India, the success India has achieved in the last 5 years, powered by the skill of 1.3 billion people," he said.

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PM Narendra Modi on receiving Seoul Peace Prize: This award does not belong to me personally but to the people of India, the success India has achieved in the last 5 years, powered by the skill of 1.3 billion people <a href="https://t.co/YHyLvvpqla">pic.twitter.com/YHyLvvpqla</a>
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"I am honoured that this award is being conferred on me in the year that we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi," the PM added.

He also talked about the growing threat of terrorism and called for nations to "join hands and unite to completely eradicate terrorist networks".

"A few weeks before the Seoul Olympics(1988), an organization called Al-Qaeda was formed. Today, radicalization and terrorism have become global and are the biggest threats to world peace and security," PM Modi noted.&nbsp;

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PM Narendra Modi: Time has come to join hands and unite to completely eradicate terrorist networks. Only by doing so can we replace hate with harmony. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeoulPeacePrize?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SeoulPeacePrize</a> <a href="https://t.co/rfMSOw6Rw7">pic.twitter.com/rfMSOw6Rw7</a>
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Earlier in the day, PM Modi called on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terror and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-has-to-move-beyond-talks-on-terror-pm-modi-in-south-korea-198869">thanked South Korean President Moon Jae-in</a> for his country's support.

PM Modi said, "I thank President Moon for his support. On counter terror, we will increase cooperation. The world has to move beyond just talks now."

President Moon condemned the Pulwama terror attack. India's Home Ministry and South Korea's national police signed an MoU on "Transnational crimes and police cooperation" to act tough on terror.&nbsp;

India and South Korea signed MoUs in the field of trade and industry, startup, communication.

This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015. Before embarking on the visit the Prime Minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shares special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

PM Modi on Thursday gifted a ‘Bodhi' tree sapling to Mayor of Gimhae Heo Seong gon as a mark of close ties between India and South Korea.

He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Yonsei University in Seoul. The President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-sook, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, were present on the occasion, ANI reported.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indian and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Prime Minister Modi on Friday was conferred the Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea. The prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, was given to PM Modi today in a brief ceremony today.

Prime Minister Modi on Friday was conferred the Seoul Peace Prize on the second day of his visit to South Korea. The prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth, and human development, was given to PM Modi today in a brief ceremony today. The Prime Minister is the 14th recipient of the prestigious peace award and is the first Indian to receive it. PM Modi, during his speech right after accepting the award, stated that the honour has not just been given to him but to the people of India. He thanked South Korea for honouring him with the peace award. "This award does not belong to me personally but to the people of India, the success India has achieved in the last 5 years, powered by the skill of 1.3 billion people," he said. PM Narendra Modi on receiving Seoul Peace Prize: This award does not belong to me personally but to the people of India, the success India has achieved in the last 5 years, powered by the skill of 1.3 billion people pic.twitter.com/YHyLvvpqla — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2019 × "I am honoured that this award is being conferred on me in the year that we celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi," the PM added. He also talked about the growing threat of terrorism and called for nations to "join hands and unite to completely eradicate terrorist networks". "A few weeks before the Seoul Olympics(1988), an organization called Al-Qaeda was formed. Today, radicalization and terrorism have become global and are the biggest threats to world peace and security," PM Modi noted. PM Narendra Modi: Time has come to join hands and unite to completely eradicate terrorist networks. Only by doing so can we replace hate with harmony. #SeoulPeacePrize pic.twitter.com/rfMSOw6Rw7 — ANI (@ANI) February 22, 2019 × Earlier in the day, PM Modi called on the world to speak in one voice on the issue of terror and thanked South Korean President Moon Jae-in for his country's support. PM Modi said, "I thank President Moon for his support. On counter terror, we will increase cooperation. The world has to move beyond just talks now." President Moon condemned the Pulwama terror attack. India's Home Ministry and South Korea's national police signed an MoU on "Transnational crimes and police cooperation" to act tough on terror. India and South Korea signed MoUs in the field of trade and industry, startup, communication. This is the Prime Minister’s second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015. Before embarking on the visit the Prime Minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shares special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India,’ ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’, news agency ANI reported. PM Modi on Thursday gifted a ‘Bodhi' tree sapling to Mayor of Gimhae Heo Seong gon as a mark of close ties between India and South Korea. He also unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Yonsei University in Seoul. The President of the Republic of Korea Moon Jae-in, First Lady of the Republic of Korea, Kim Jung-sook, and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, were present on the occasion, ANI reported. Prime Minister Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and Indian and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties. (With inputs from ANI)

Let's join hands and unite to eradicate terrorist networks: PM Modi on receiving Seoul Peace Prize

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-narendra-modi-in-south-korea-for-two-days-to-be-honoured-with-seoul-peace-prize-198648">strategic partnership between South Korea and India</a> and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

This is PM Modi's second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015.

Before embarking on the visit the prime minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shared special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, &nbsp;‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’.

According to foreign&nbsp;ministry spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar during this visit, the prime minister is scheduled to have bilateral and business engagements, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and accept the Seoul Peace Prize conferred upon him. He will also address the Indian community.

Raveesh Kumar said that this visit will strengthen India's special strategic partnership with South Korea and will introduce a new dimension in 'Look East Policy'.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Before embarking on the visit, the prime minister had said in a statement that he was visiting the Republic of Korea at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in.

"My visit to the Republic of Korea is reflective of the importance we both attach to our relationship," he said.

"We regard the Republic of Korea as a valued friend, a nation with which we have a Special Strategic Partnership. As fellow democracies, India and the ROK have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace. As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary," PM Modi said.

Before leaving New Delhi, he also tweeted, "During our talks, President @moonriver365 and I will take forward our conversations from last year on how best to advance the India-ROK partnership. I will also meet business leaders,&nbsp;&nbsp;the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life."

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As fellow democracies, India and ROK have shared values and a vision for world peace. 
 
As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary. 
 
ROK is an important partner for <a href="https://twitter.com/makeinindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@makeinindia</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/swachhbharat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swachhbharat</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/startupindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@startupindia</a> initiatives.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1098196597530394624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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During our talks, President <a href="https://twitter.com/moonriver365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moonriver365</a> and I will take forward our conversations from last year on how best to advance the India-ROK partnership. 
 
I will also meet business leaders, the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1098196600701313024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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He will have extensive talks with President Moon Jae-in after which some MoUs are expected to be signed.

Waited for him in the hotel lobby, Indians, presented in large numbers, waived flag and took selfies with the Indian leader.

On his second visit to the country as the prime&nbsp;minister, Modi will receive the Seoul Peace Prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth and human development.

“The growing depth and variety in our relationship have been accentuated by the harmony between our ‘Act East’ Policy and ROK’s ‘New Southern’ Policy. Working together, we are determined to take our relationship forward as a ‘future-oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace’,” he said.

“Our collaboration in the field of science and technology is encouraging, with our joint research ranging from basic to advanced sciences,” PM Modi added.

Meanwhile upon his arrival in Seoul Indians who were waiting for him in the hotel lobby, waved the tricolour and took selfies with him.

The visit is PM Modi's second visit to the Republic of Korea and the second summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in. The South Korean president visited India in July 2018.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and India and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Seoul early on Thursday morning on a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the special strategic partnership between South Korea and India and boosting bilateral trade and cultural ties. This is PM Modi's second visit to the Republic of Korea after his state visit in May 2015. Before embarking on the visit the prime minister described South Korea as a valued friend with which India shared special strategic partnership initiatives such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Start-Up India’ and ‘Clean India’. According to foreign ministry spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar during this visit, the prime minister is scheduled to have bilateral and business engagements, unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and accept the Seoul Peace Prize conferred upon him. He will also address the Indian community. Raveesh Kumar said that this visit will strengthen India's special strategic partnership with South Korea and will introduce a new dimension in 'Look East Policy'. Before embarking on the visit, the prime minister had said in a statement that he was visiting the Republic of Korea at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. "My visit to the Republic of Korea is reflective of the importance we both attach to our relationship," he said. "We regard the Republic of Korea as a valued friend, a nation with which we have a Special Strategic Partnership. As fellow democracies, India and the ROK have shared values and a shared vision for regional and global peace. As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary," PM Modi said. Before leaving New Delhi, he also tweeted, "During our talks, President @moonriver365 and I will take forward our conversations from last year on how best to advance the India-ROK partnership. I will also meet business leaders, the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life." As fellow democracies, India and ROK have shared values and a vision for world peace. As fellow market economies, our needs and strengths are complementary. ROK is an important partner for @makeinindia, @swachhbharat and @startupindia initiatives. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 20, 2019 × During our talks, President @moonriver365 and I will take forward our conversations from last year on how best to advance the India-ROK partnership. I will also meet business leaders, the Indian community as well as eminent persons from all walks of life. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 20, 2019 × He will have extensive talks with President Moon Jae-in after which some MoUs are expected to be signed. Waited for him in the hotel lobby, Indians, presented in large numbers, waived flag and took selfies with the Indian leader. On his second visit to the country as the prime minister, Modi will receive the Seoul Peace Prize, which was announced by the Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation in October last year in recognition of his dedicated service to international cooperation, global growth and human development. “The growing depth and variety in our relationship have been accentuated by the harmony between our ‘Act East’ Policy and ROK’s ‘New Southern’ Policy. Working together, we are determined to take our relationship forward as a ‘future-oriented partnership for People, Prosperity and Peace’,” he said. “Our collaboration in the field of science and technology is encouraging, with our joint research ranging from basic to advanced sciences,” PM Modi added. Meanwhile upon his arrival in Seoul Indians who were waiting for him in the hotel lobby, waved the tricolour and took selfies with him. The visit is PM Modi's second visit to the Republic of Korea and the second summit meeting with President Moon Jae-in. The South Korean president visited India in July 2018.

Modi in South Korea on two-day visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian diaspora in Seoul, South Korea. During the address, PM Modi hailed South Korea-India relations and said that both are "natural partners."

He also said that "India aims to be among world's top three economies in the next one-and-half decade."

"South Korea-India will continue to promote peace," PM Modi also said.

PM Modi who&nbsp;will be <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/seoul-peace-prize-to-pm-is-recognition-of-modinomics-amit-shah-173205">honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize </a>on Friday, said that the prize is not his and he will "only be receiving it on behalf of 130 crore Indians."

"Tomorrow, I will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize. This prize is not mine, I will only be receiving it on behalf of 130 crore Indians and the 3 crore Indians living abroad. This prize is a recognition of the hard work of all Indians, " PM Modi said during the address.&nbsp;

PM Modi is on a two-day visit to South Korea from Thursday during which he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the issue of denuclearisation of North Korea, ahead of the Trump-Kim summit.&nbsp;

Modi will be also honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize on Friday. The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had announced in October of 2018 the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development.

Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/gandhis-ideals-have-power-to-overcome-terrorism-and-climate-change-pm-in-south-korea-198746">PM Modi unveiled the bust of Gandhi </a>at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University in the presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Established in 1885, its one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country.

After the unveiling ceremony, PM Modi said values of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi can show the way in dealing with issues like climate change and terror.&nbsp;

"The thoughts and ideals of Bapu have the power to help us overcome the menace of terrorism and climate change, two challenges humanity faces in these times".

South Korea President also voiced hope that the great spirit of Mahatma Gandhi can usher in peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond.

Moon on Wednesday thanked India for supporting South Korea's efforts to denuclearise North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Launching "India-Korea Startup Hub" PM Modi said it will provide a hub for South Koreans and Indians to "freely communicate"

Prime minister had visited South Korea in May of 2015. Moon Jae-in, during a visit to India in July 2018, inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company anywhere in the world.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian diaspora in Seoul, South Korea. During the address, PM Modi hailed South Korea-India relations and said that both are "natural partners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Indian diaspora in Seoul, South Korea. During the address, PM Modi hailed South Korea-India relations and said that both are "natural partners." He also said that "India aims to be among world's top three economies in the next one-and-half decade." "South Korea-India will continue to promote peace," PM Modi also said. PM Modi who will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize on Friday, said that the prize is not his and he will "only be receiving it on behalf of 130 crore Indians." "Tomorrow, I will be honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize. This prize is not mine, I will only be receiving it on behalf of 130 crore Indians and the 3 crore Indians living abroad. This prize is a recognition of the hard work of all Indians, " PM Modi said during the address. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to South Korea from Thursday during which he is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday. The two leaders are expected to discuss the issue of denuclearisation of North Korea, ahead of the Trump-Kim summit. Modi will be also honoured with the Seoul Peace Prize on Friday. The Seoul Peace Prize Cultural Foundation had announced in October of 2018 the decision to award Prime Minister Modi with the Seoul Peace Prize for 2018 in recognition of his dedication to international cooperation, global growth and human development. Previous recipients of the award include German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United Nation chiefs like Ban Ki-moon and Kofi Annan. Earlier in the day, PM Modi unveiled the bust of Gandhi at the Seoul Campus of the Yonsei University in the presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Established in 1885, its one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. After the unveiling ceremony, PM Modi said values of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi can show the way in dealing with issues like climate change and terror. "The thoughts and ideals of Bapu have the power to help us overcome the menace of terrorism and climate change, two challenges humanity faces in these times". South Korea President also voiced hope that the great spirit of Mahatma Gandhi can usher in peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. Moon on Wednesday thanked India for supporting South Korea's efforts to denuclearise North Korea and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. Launching "India-Korea Startup Hub" PM Modi said it will provide a hub for South Koreans and Indians to "freely communicate" Prime minister had visited South Korea in May of 2015. Moon Jae-in, during a visit to India in July 2018, inaugurated the new manufacturing facility of South Korean major Samsung in Noida which is the largest mobile phone manufacturing plant of the company anywhere in the world. (With inputs from agencies)

India aims to be among world's top 3 economies in next 15 years: Modi address Indian diaspora in Seoul

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a call on Tuesday that his country is willing to open economic engagement with North Korea as a "concession" if it will hasten Pyongyang's denuclearization, Moon's office said.

Trump is scheduled to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam next week for a second summit aimed at enticing Kim to follow through on his pledge to abandon nuclear weapons.

Since Trump and Kim first met in June last year, there has been little progress in talks between the two countries, while Moon and Kim have forged ahead with multiple summits of their own, as well as promises of inter-Korean cooperation on everything from reducing border tensions to launching a joint bid for the 2032 Olympics.

But plans for economic projects, such as linking railways, reopening a joint industrial centre, and allowing South Korean tourists to visit the North, have been on hold while the United States opposed loosening sanctions until more progress is made on denuclearization.

Moon asked Trump to make use of South Korea's role as a "concession" to expedite North Korea's denuclearization, saying he was ready to undertake anything from reconnecting rail and road links between the two Koreas to other inter-Korean economic cooperation, according to a statement from Moon's spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom.

"We're determined to take up that role if President Trump asks if that's the way to lessen the US&nbsp;burden," Moon said.

Moon said it was Trump's "leadership and firm resolve" that had brought difficult negotiations with North Korea thus far, as well as progress in inter-Korean ties, according to the statement.

He "expressed his respect" to Trump who is "exploring a diplomatic strategy to achieve denuclearization and a lasting peace regime on the peninsula, overcoming diplomatic failures over the past 25 years that did not accomplish any outcome through negotiations but only strengthened North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities," the spokesman said.

Moon's praise echoes Trump's own assessment of his efforts, given in a Rose Garden news conference on Friday in which he made the case that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on North Korea and Syria, but complained he probably would never get the honour.

In the past, Moon has said that Trump deserves the prize for engaging with Kim Jong Un directly, in a way no other American president has.

During Tuesday's call, Trump briefed Moon on preparations for the upcoming summit and said he would brief the South Koreans on the results, including in a future meeting with Moon, the Blue House said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told US President Donald Trump in a call on Tuesday that his country is willing to open economic engagement with North Korea as a "concession" if it will hasten Pyongyang's denuclearization, Moon's office said.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told US President Donald Trump in a call on Tuesday that his country is willing to open economic engagement with North Korea as a "concession" if it will hasten Pyongyang's denuclearization, Moon's office said. Trump is scheduled to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Vietnam next week for a second summit aimed at enticing Kim to follow through on his pledge to abandon nuclear weapons. Since Trump and Kim first met in June last year, there has been little progress in talks between the two countries, while Moon and Kim have forged ahead with multiple summits of their own, as well as promises of inter-Korean cooperation on everything from reducing border tensions to launching a joint bid for the 2032 Olympics. But plans for economic projects, such as linking railways, reopening a joint industrial centre, and allowing South Korean tourists to visit the North, have been on hold while the United States opposed loosening sanctions until more progress is made on denuclearization. Moon asked Trump to make use of South Korea's role as a "concession" to expedite North Korea's denuclearization, saying he was ready to undertake anything from reconnecting rail and road links between the two Koreas to other inter-Korean economic cooperation, according to a statement from Moon's spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom. "We're determined to take up that role if President Trump asks if that's the way to lessen the US burden," Moon said. Moon said it was Trump's "leadership and firm resolve" that had brought difficult negotiations with North Korea thus far, as well as progress in inter-Korean ties, according to the statement. He "expressed his respect" to Trump who is "exploring a diplomatic strategy to achieve denuclearization and a lasting peace regime on the peninsula, overcoming diplomatic failures over the past 25 years that did not accomplish any outcome through negotiations but only strengthened North Korea's nuclear and missile capabilities," the spokesman said. Moon's praise echoes Trump's own assessment of his efforts, given in a Rose Garden news conference on Friday in which he made the case that he deserves to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on North Korea and Syria, but complained he probably would never get the honour. In the past, Moon has said that Trump deserves the prize for engaging with Kim Jong Un directly, in a way no other American president has. During Tuesday's call, Trump briefed Moon on preparations for the upcoming summit and said he would brief the South Koreans on the results, including in a future meeting with Moon, the Blue House said.

South Korea's Moon offers to resume cooperation with North Korea to help denuclearization

At 93, Kim Bok-dong died as she had lived for many years: at the heart of the controversy over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels.

Kim, who died on Monday at a hospital in the South Korean capital of Seoul, was a fixture at weekly protests outside the Japanese embassy calling for a sincere apology and compensation.

She remained angry at Japan until the end, her supporters said.

"She suddenly opened her eyes yesterday and told a long story ... I couldn't decipher everything but one thing I could hear clearly was that we had to fight until the end," said Yoon Mee-hyang, who leads an advocate group for the women.

"Then she expressed strong anger toward Japan as she continued talking, before she regained her tranquillity," Yoon told Reuters.

Kim was among the two dozen known surviving South Korean "comfort women", a Japanese euphemism for women who were forced into prostitution and sexually abused at Japanese military brothels before and during World War Two.

Activists say they plan to march alongside Kim's casket past Japan's embassy on Friday, a demonstration that could further strain ties between Seoul and Tokyo.

The two Asian neighbours share a bitter history stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said during his visit to Kim's funeral home on Tuesday it was "heartbreaking" that victims die without a resolution of the issue.

In a separate post on Facebook, Moon said Kim revealed a "hidden history" by becoming one of the first victims to come forward in 1992.

Kim was 14 when she was first sent to a military brothel, and forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers also in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, according to Yoon.

"SINCERE APOLOGY"

Articulate and charismatic, Kim was a vocal critic of a 2015 deal in which Tokyo apologised to the victims and provided one billion yen ($9.1 million) to a fund in Seoul to help them.

Kim said it was not sincere because some Japanese leaders continued to deny the women were forced to work in brothels.

"We won't accept it even if Japan gives 10 billion yen. It's not about money. They're still saying we went there because we wanted to," Kim told a parliamentary session in September 2016.

Moon's government has said it will not seek to renegotiate the 2015 deal. Last year it vowed to shut down the Japan-sponsored fund and pursue a more "victim-oriented" approach.

Japan says the claims have been settled by past agreements and apologies, and that the continued dispute may threaten relations between the two countries.

Only 23 registered South Korean survivors are still alive, highlighting a sense of urgency behind efforts by the women to receive a formal apology and legal compensation from Japan while their voices can still be heard.

Just hours before Kim passed away, a fellow victim only identifiable by her surname Lee had died, Yoon said.

Kim's defence of victims' rights earned the respect of one South Korean diplomat involved in their case.

"She was clever and unwavering under any circumstances," said the diplomat who did not want to be named.

"All she wanted was genuine atonement, and we fully respected it and felt sorry even when she wasn't happy with our work."

At 93, Kim Bok-dong died as she had lived for many years: at the heart of the controversy over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels. Kim, who died on Monday at a hospital in the South Korean capital of Seoul, was a fixture at weekly protests outside the Japanese embassy calling for a sincere apology and compensation.

At 93, Kim Bok-dong died as she had lived for many years: at the heart of the controversy over Japan's use of forced labour in its wartime brothels. Kim, who died on Monday at a hospital in the South Korean capital of Seoul, was a fixture at weekly protests outside the Japanese embassy calling for a sincere apology and compensation. She remained angry at Japan until the end, her supporters said. "She suddenly opened her eyes yesterday and told a long story ... I couldn't decipher everything but one thing I could hear clearly was that we had to fight until the end," said Yoon Mee-hyang, who leads an advocate group for the women. "Then she expressed strong anger toward Japan as she continued talking, before she regained her tranquillity," Yoon told Reuters. Kim was among the two dozen known surviving South Korean "comfort women", a Japanese euphemism for women who were forced into prostitution and sexually abused at Japanese military brothels before and during World War Two. Activists say they plan to march alongside Kim's casket past Japan's embassy on Friday, a demonstration that could further strain ties between Seoul and Tokyo. The two Asian neighbours share a bitter history stemming from Japan's 1910-45 colonisation of the Korean peninsula. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said during his visit to Kim's funeral home on Tuesday it was "heartbreaking" that victims die without a resolution of the issue. In a separate post on Facebook, Moon said Kim revealed a "hidden history" by becoming one of the first victims to come forward in 1992. Kim was 14 when she was first sent to a military brothel, and forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers also in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, according to Yoon. "SINCERE APOLOGY" Articulate and charismatic, Kim was a vocal critic of a 2015 deal in which Tokyo apologised to the victims and provided one billion yen ($9.1 million) to a fund in Seoul to help them. Kim said it was not sincere because some Japanese leaders continued to deny the women were forced to work in brothels. "We won't accept it even if Japan gives 10 billion yen. It's not about money. They're still saying we went there because we wanted to," Kim told a parliamentary session in September 2016. Moon's government has said it will not seek to renegotiate the 2015 deal. Last year it vowed to shut down the Japan-sponsored fund and pursue a more "victim-oriented" approach. Japan says the claims have been settled by past agreements and apologies, and that the continued dispute may threaten relations between the two countries. Only 23 registered South Korean survivors are still alive, highlighting a sense of urgency behind efforts by the women to receive a formal apology and legal compensation from Japan while their voices can still be heard. Just hours before Kim passed away, a fellow victim only identifiable by her surname Lee had died, Yoon said. Kim's defence of victims' rights earned the respect of one South Korean diplomat involved in their case. "She was clever and unwavering under any circumstances," said the diplomat who did not want to be named. "All she wanted was genuine atonement, and we fully respected it and felt sorry even when she wasn't happy with our work."

'Fight until the end': South Korean 'comfort women' campaigner dies at 93

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hopes-north-korea-and-us-meet-each-other-halfway-president-xi-to-kim-189285">China this week is a sign that a second</a> summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump is "imminent", the South Korea President Moon Jae-in said Thursday.&nbsp;

"I think chairman Kim Jong-un's visit to China will have a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-ends-beijing-visit-as-trump-summit-looms-189192"> very positive effect on the success</a> of the second US-North Korea summit," Moon told reporters.

North Korea needs to take "more bold, practical measures for denuclearisation", the President Moon Jae-in said&nbsp;with negotiations stalling between Pyongyang and Washington.

"Corresponding measures must be devised in order to facilitate North Korea's continued denuclearisation efforts," he added, such as the US agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War.

Conditions for resuming key economic projects between North and South Korea have already been met, President Moon Jae-in, who has been pursuing engagement with Pyongyang, said Thursday.

"The prerequisites for the two Koreas resuming operation of the Kaesong Complex and Mount Kumgang tourism have essentially been met already," Moon told reporters, adding that Seoul would seek to "resolve" the issue of international sanctions on the nuclear-armed North "as soon as possible". 
&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to China this week is a sign that a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump is "imminent", the South Korea President Moon Jae-in said Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's trip to China this week is a sign that a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump is "imminent", the South Korea President Moon Jae-in said Thursday. "I think chairman Kim Jong-un's visit to China will have a very positive effect on the success of the second US-North Korea summit," Moon told reporters. North Korea needs to take "more bold, practical measures for denuclearisation", the President Moon Jae-in said with negotiations stalling between Pyongyang and Washington. "Corresponding measures must be devised in order to facilitate North Korea's continued denuclearisation efforts," he added, such as the US agreeing a "peace regime" and formally declaring an end to the 1950-53 Korean War. Conditions for resuming key economic projects between North and South Korea have already been met, President Moon Jae-in, who has been pursuing engagement with Pyongyang, said Thursday. "The prerequisites for the two Koreas resuming operation of the Kaesong Complex and Mount Kumgang tourism have essentially been met already," Moon told reporters, adding that Seoul would seek to "resolve" the issue of international sanctions on the nuclear-armed North "as soon as possible".

Kim, Trump second summit imminent: South Korea President Moon

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-the-rational-actor-who-made-history-this-year-184965">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> said he wants to hold more summits with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/inter-korea-summit-moon-jae-in-kim-jong-un-in-mountain-show-of-unity-166755">South Korea's Moon Jae-in</a> next year to achieve the goal of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, Moon's office said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Kim sent a letter to Moon on Sunday to commemorate the dramatic detente they engineered this year, including three summits, after years of confrontation marked by a series of the North's nuclear and missile tests.

Kim was sorry his plan to visit Seoul this year did not take place as agreed at their third summit in Pyongyang in September, expressing his "strong resolve" to make it happen in the future while monitoring the situation, Moon's office said.

&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he wants to hold more summits with South Korea's Moon Jae-in next year to achieve the goal of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, Moon's office said on Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said he wants to hold more summits with South Korea's Moon Jae-in next year to achieve the goal of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, Moon's office said on Sunday. Kim sent a letter to Moon on Sunday to commemorate the dramatic detente they engineered this year, including three summits, after years of confrontation marked by a series of the North's nuclear and missile tests. Kim was sorry his plan to visit Seoul this year did not take place as agreed at their third summit in Pyongyang in September, expressing his "strong resolve" to make it happen in the future while monitoring the situation, Moon's office said.

North Korea's Kim wants more summits with Moon Jae-in next year: South Korea President office

Kim Jong-Un made history in April this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He met South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit at the Peace House, a three-storeyed building located just across the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on the South Korean side of Panmunjom truce village.

Smiling and holding hands, Kim and Moon met at the DMZ, one of the most heavily guarded places on earth. Kim invited Moon to step briefly across the demarcation line into North Korea, before the two leaders crossed back into South Korea holding hands.

At the talks on April 27, both sides had a candid and earnest exchange of views on the matters of mutual concern including the issues of improving the North-South relations, ensuring peace on the Korean peninsula and the denuclearisation of the peninsula.

The talks came weeks before Kim met US President Donald Trump for a summit in Singapore.

The DMZ - a legacy of the Cold War - intersects the 38th Parallel, which was the border separating the two countries before the Korean war of 1950.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Kim Jong-Un made history in April this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He met South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit at the Peace House, a three-storeyed building located just across the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on the South Korean side of Panmunjom truce village.

Kim Jong-Un made history in April this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He met South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit at the Peace House, a three-storeyed building located just across the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on the South Korean side of Panmunjom truce village. Smiling and holding hands, Kim and Moon met at the DMZ, one of the most heavily guarded places on earth. Kim invited Moon to step briefly across the demarcation line into North Korea, before the two leaders crossed back into South Korea holding hands. At the talks on April 27, both sides had a candid and earnest exchange of views on the matters of mutual concern including the issues of improving the North-South relations, ensuring peace on the Korean peninsula and the denuclearisation of the peninsula. The talks came weeks before Kim met US President Donald Trump for a summit in Singapore. The DMZ - a legacy of the Cold War - intersects the 38th Parallel, which was the border separating the two countries before the Korean war of 1950. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Historic inter-Korean summit: When the two Koreas met

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies.

The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals.

Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday.

The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift. The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies. The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals. Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday. The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

Puppy diplomacy: Dogs gifted by North Korea gives birth in the South

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has fired both his top economic policymakers and replaced them with people already in the government, his office said on Friday, a move widely seen as intended to reinforce his controversial policies.

Moon has replaced chief presidential policy aide Jang Ha-sung and finance minister Kim Dong-yeon, the two most senior policymakers in charge of running Asia`s fourth-largest economy, the presidential office announced.

It was a bigger reshuffle than expected, but the appointment of their successors from within the government indicated President Moon would reinforce his economic policies, which economists have said were hurting growth.

Presidential social policy aide Kim Soo-hyun will succeed Jang and veteran bureaucrat Hong Nam-ki, currently head of the government policy co-ordination office, will be the new finance minister, the presidential office said.

The incoming chief presidential policy aide has been behind harsh regulatory measures aimed at curbing housing prices, which many analysts have said were against market principles.

The incoming finance minister has served at various government departments such as the finance ministry and the presidential office. He is still required to appear at a parliamentary verification hearing although approval there is not mandatory.

The high-profile appointments came amid criticism that Moon's signature policies such as big minimum wage increases and a shorter work week had backfired, with lower income earners - the intended beneficiaries - feeling the most pain as employers cut back hiring.

South Korea's minimum wages are set to be raised by nearly 30 percent over two years and the work week has been cut by almost a quarter for big companies, but initial outcomes have been a plunge in employment rates and lower incomes.

The outgoing finance minister, who has served since June last year as Moon's first top economic policy planner, has repeatedly clashed with Jang by calling for some adjustment of the president's 'income-led growth' strategy.

The economy saw growth in the July-September quarter holding steady from the previous quarter at 0.6 percent, but missing the market expectations as construction spending plunged by the most in two decades.

Private consumption held up on increased welfare support but a sharp cut in infrastructure spending and strong controls on property transactions clouded the outlook at a time when the global demand for South Korea`s exports is cooling.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has fired both his top economic policymakers and replaced them with people already in the government, his office said on Friday, a move widely seen as intended to reinforce his controversial policies.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has fired both his top economic policymakers and replaced them with people already in the government, his office said on Friday, a move widely seen as intended to reinforce his controversial policies. Moon has replaced chief presidential policy aide Jang Ha-sung and finance minister Kim Dong-yeon, the two most senior policymakers in charge of running Asia`s fourth-largest economy, the presidential office announced. It was a bigger reshuffle than expected, but the appointment of their successors from within the government indicated President Moon would reinforce his economic policies, which economists have said were hurting growth. Presidential social policy aide Kim Soo-hyun will succeed Jang and veteran bureaucrat Hong Nam-ki, currently head of the government policy co-ordination office, will be the new finance minister, the presidential office said. The incoming chief presidential policy aide has been behind harsh regulatory measures aimed at curbing housing prices, which many analysts have said were against market principles. The incoming finance minister has served at various government departments such as the finance ministry and the presidential office. He is still required to appear at a parliamentary verification hearing although approval there is not mandatory. The high-profile appointments came amid criticism that Moon's signature policies such as big minimum wage increases and a shorter work week had backfired, with lower income earners - the intended beneficiaries - feeling the most pain as employers cut back hiring. South Korea's minimum wages are set to be raised by nearly 30 percent over two years and the work week has been cut by almost a quarter for big companies, but initial outcomes have been a plunge in employment rates and lower incomes. The outgoing finance minister, who has served since June last year as Moon's first top economic policy planner, has repeatedly clashed with Jang by calling for some adjustment of the president's 'income-led growth' strategy. The economy saw growth in the July-September quarter holding steady from the previous quarter at 0.6 percent, but missing the market expectations as construction spending plunged by the most in two decades. Private consumption held up on increased welfare support but a sharp cut in infrastructure spending and strong controls on property transactions clouded the outlook at a time when the global demand for South Korea`s exports is cooling.

South Korea's Moon sacks economic policy chiefs, replaces with insiders

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge.

Pompeo, who met Kim during a short trip to Pyongyang on Sunday, said the inspectors would visit a missile engine test facility and the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site as soon as the two sides agree on logistics.

"There's a lot of logistics that will be required to execute that," Pompeo told a news briefing in Seoul before leaving for Beijing.

The top US&nbsp;diplomat also said both sides were "pretty close" to agreement on the details of a second summit, which Kim proposed to US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in a letter last month.

Trump and Kim held an historic first summit in Singapore in June.

Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang, his fourth this year, followed a stalemate as North Korea resisted Washington's demands for irreversible steps to give up its nuclear arsenal, including a complete inventory of its weapons and facilities.

He told South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday his latest trip to Pyongyang was "another step forward" to denuclearisation but there are "many steps along the way".

In a more upbeat note, Pyongyang's state media said on Monday Kim lauded his talks with Pompeo.

"Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction over the productive and wonderful talks with Mike Pompeo at which mutual stands were fully understood and opinions exchanged," North Korean news agency KCNA said.

It said the two sides agreed to hold working negotiations for the second North Korean-US&nbsp;summit as early as possible.

Smiles, handshakes

Commenting on Pompeo's meeting with Kim, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday Kim was expected to visit Russia soon. He said Chinese leader Xi Jinping was also expected to travel to North Korea but did not elaborate further.

North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured eight photos of the meeting on its front page, including shots of Kim and Pompeo smiling and shaking hands, as well as some with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong.

"Together with Mike Pompeo, Kim Jong Un appreciated the positively developing situation on the Korean peninsula, explained in detail the proposals for solving the denuclearisation issue and matters of concern of both sides and exchanged constructive opinions," KCNA said.

North Korea denounced Pompeo on his previous trip to Pyongyang in July for making "gangster-like demands". Pompeo did not meet Kim on that trip.

Kim said he believed the dialogue between the two countries would continue to develop favourably, "based on the deep confidence between the two leaders of the two countries", and expressed gratitude to Trump for making a sincere effort to implement the agreement made at their June summit, KCNA said.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Kim had invited inspectors to visit the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to confirm it had been irreversibly dismantled. The statement did not provide further details.

KCNA did not mention that issue.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was ready to allow international inspectors into the North's nuclear and missile testing sites, one of the main sticking points over an earlier denuclearisation pledge. Pompeo, who met Kim during a short trip to Pyongyang on Sunday, said the inspectors would visit a missile engine test facility and the Punggye-ri nuclear testing site as soon as the two sides agree on logistics. "There's a lot of logistics that will be required to execute that," Pompeo told a news briefing in Seoul before leaving for Beijing. The top US diplomat also said both sides were "pretty close" to agreement on the details of a second summit, which Kim proposed to US President Donald Trump in a letter last month. Trump and Kim held an historic first summit in Singapore in June. Pompeo's trip to Pyongyang, his fourth this year, followed a stalemate as North Korea resisted Washington's demands for irreversible steps to give up its nuclear arsenal, including a complete inventory of its weapons and facilities. He told South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Sunday his latest trip to Pyongyang was "another step forward" to denuclearisation but there are "many steps along the way". In a more upbeat note, Pyongyang's state media said on Monday Kim lauded his talks with Pompeo. "Kim Jong Un expressed satisfaction over the productive and wonderful talks with Mike Pompeo at which mutual stands were fully understood and opinions exchanged," North Korean news agency KCNA said. It said the two sides agreed to hold working negotiations for the second North Korean-US summit as early as possible. Smiles, handshakes Commenting on Pompeo's meeting with Kim, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Monday Kim was expected to visit Russia soon. He said Chinese leader Xi Jinping was also expected to travel to North Korea but did not elaborate further. North Korea's state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured eight photos of the meeting on its front page, including shots of Kim and Pompeo smiling and shaking hands, as well as some with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong. "Together with Mike Pompeo, Kim Jong Un appreciated the positively developing situation on the Korean peninsula, explained in detail the proposals for solving the denuclearisation issue and matters of concern of both sides and exchanged constructive opinions," KCNA said. North Korea denounced Pompeo on his previous trip to Pyongyang in July for making "gangster-like demands". Pompeo did not meet Kim on that trip. Kim said he believed the dialogue between the two countries would continue to develop favourably, "based on the deep confidence between the two leaders of the two countries", and expressed gratitude to Trump for making a sincere effort to implement the agreement made at their June summit, KCNA said. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement Kim had invited inspectors to visit the Punggye-ri nuclear test site to confirm it had been irreversibly dismantled. The statement did not provide further details. KCNA did not mention that issue.

Pompeo says North Korea ready to let inspectors into missile, nuclear sites

North Korea on Tuesday ruled out dismantling its nuclear arsenal in exchange for the US declaring an end to the Korean War, saying a peace treaty should "never be a bargaining chip."

The North has for decades demanded that the US formally declare the end of the 1950-53 conflict that was halted only with an armistice, saying an official end to the war would ease tensions on the flashpoint peninsula.

At a summit with the South's President Moon Jae-in last month, the North's leader Kim Jong Un offered to shut down its main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington takes "corresponding measures".

Kim did not elaborate on what those measures might be, but state news agency KCNA said in a commentary that some US experts have suggested trading the end of the war for denuclearisation.

It flatly described that as only the "most basic... process" to restore ties, not a point for negotiation. &nbsp;

"The end of war... is not just a gift from a man to another at all. Furthermore, it can never be a bargaining chip for getting the DPRK denuclearised," it said, using the North's full name.&nbsp;

KCNA said that Pyongyang was willing to take "such... steps as eternal dismantlement" of its nuclear complex "if the US takes a corresponding measure" but again did not elaborate.

Cho Sung-ryul, analyst at the Institute of National Security Strategy, said the commentary may be aimed at limiting Washington's room for manoeuvre.

"The North is trying to reduce the negotiating value of Washington's potential offer of a peace treaty, by suggesting that 'it's not good enough to make us denuclearise'," he told South Korea's news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;

A landmark summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in June led to a warming of ties, but there has been little concrete progress toward denuclearisation.

The North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho also told the UN last month that there was "no way" his country would disarm first as long as the US pushes for tough enforcement of sanctions against Pyongyang.&nbsp;

Trump, however, lauded Kim, saying last week the pair had fallen "in love" -- their bromance fuelled by "beautiful letters" he recently received from the young leader.&nbsp;

The ceasefire that halted the bloody conflict that sealed the division of the Korean peninsula was signed by the North, its military ally China and the US -- which fought on the side of the South.&nbsp;

The South did not take part as its then-leader refused to end the war unless the whole peninsula was unified.&nbsp;

North Korea on Tuesday ruled out dismantling its nuclear arsenal in exchange for the US declaring an end to the Korean War, saying a peace treaty should "never be a bargaining chip.

North Korea on Tuesday ruled out dismantling its nuclear arsenal in exchange for the US declaring an end to the Korean War, saying a peace treaty should "never be a bargaining chip." The North has for decades demanded that the US formally declare the end of the 1950-53 conflict that was halted only with an armistice, saying an official end to the war would ease tensions on the flashpoint peninsula. At a summit with the South's President Moon Jae-in last month, the North's leader Kim Jong Un offered to shut down its main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington takes "corresponding measures". Kim did not elaborate on what those measures might be, but state news agency KCNA said in a commentary that some US experts have suggested trading the end of the war for denuclearisation. It flatly described that as only the "most basic... process" to restore ties, not a point for negotiation. "The end of war... is not just a gift from a man to another at all. Furthermore, it can never be a bargaining chip for getting the DPRK denuclearised," it said, using the North's full name. KCNA said that Pyongyang was willing to take "such... steps as eternal dismantlement" of its nuclear complex "if the US takes a corresponding measure" but again did not elaborate. Cho Sung-ryul, analyst at the Institute of National Security Strategy, said the commentary may be aimed at limiting Washington's room for manoeuvre. "The North is trying to reduce the negotiating value of Washington's potential offer of a peace treaty, by suggesting that 'it's not good enough to make us denuclearise'," he told South Korea's news agency Yonhap. A landmark summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in June led to a warming of ties, but there has been little concrete progress toward denuclearisation. The North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho also told the UN last month that there was "no way" his country would disarm first as long as the US pushes for tough enforcement of sanctions against Pyongyang. Trump, however, lauded Kim, saying last week the pair had fallen "in love" -- their bromance fuelled by "beautiful letters" he recently received from the young leader. The ceasefire that halted the bloody conflict that sealed the division of the Korean peninsula was signed by the North, its military ally China and the US -- which fought on the side of the South. The South did not take part as its then-leader refused to end the war unless the whole peninsula was unified.

North Korea says peace treaty no bargaining chip for denuclearisation

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a longtime hardliner on North Korea, said Tuesday he was willing to meet Kim Jong Un after the once reclusive leader's historic summit with US President Donald Trump.

Abe, who one year ago warned at the United Nations that the window for diplomacy with North Korea was closing, took a more open but still cautious tone in his latest address to the world body.

But he said that any summit would be devoted to resolving a decades-old row over North Korea's abductions of Japanese civilians -- a deeply emotive issue for much of the Japanese public on which Abe built his political career.

"In order to resolve the abduction issue, I am also ready to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea, get off to a new start and meet face to face with Chairman Kim Jong Un," Abe said in his UN address, while stressing that nothing was yet in the works.

"But if we are to have one, then I am determined that it must contribute to the resolution of the abduction issue," he said.

North Korea kidnapped scores of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s to train the regime's spies in Japanese language and culture.

Former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi travelled twice to Pyongyang to seek a new relationship with the current leader's father Kim Jong Il and was told by North Korea that remaining abduction victims were dead -- a stance adamantly rejected by Japanese family members and campaigners.

Speculation has been rising that Abe could meet with Kim, who reportedly told Trump during their summit in June in Singapore that he was willing to talk to arch-enemy Japan.

With South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in also courting Kim, fears have risen in Japan that it could be shut out of any ultimate resolution on North Korea if it refuses dialogue.

Trump in his own UN address earlier Tuesday pointed to his "bold and new push for peace" and saluted Kim's courage.

It was a far cry from a year ago, when Trump stunned assembled leaders by threatening to "totally destroy" North Korea and belittling "rocket man" Kim.

Despite Trump's optimism, many analysts are skeptical on how much North Korea has changed, saying the regime has already conducted the tests it needed to build its nuclear and missile programs.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a longtime hardliner on North Korea, said Tuesday he was willing to meet Kim Jong Un after the once reclusive leader's historic summit with US President Donald Trump.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a longtime hardliner on North Korea, said Tuesday he was willing to meet Kim Jong Un after the once reclusive leader's historic summit with US President Donald Trump. Abe, who one year ago warned at the United Nations that the window for diplomacy with North Korea was closing, took a more open but still cautious tone in his latest address to the world body. But he said that any summit would be devoted to resolving a decades-old row over North Korea's abductions of Japanese civilians -- a deeply emotive issue for much of the Japanese public on which Abe built his political career. "In order to resolve the abduction issue, I am also ready to break the shell of mutual distrust with North Korea, get off to a new start and meet face to face with Chairman Kim Jong Un," Abe said in his UN address, while stressing that nothing was yet in the works. "But if we are to have one, then I am determined that it must contribute to the resolution of the abduction issue," he said. North Korea kidnapped scores of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s to train the regime's spies in Japanese language and culture. Former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi travelled twice to Pyongyang to seek a new relationship with the current leader's father Kim Jong Il and was told by North Korea that remaining abduction victims were dead -- a stance adamantly rejected by Japanese family members and campaigners. Speculation has been rising that Abe could meet with Kim, who reportedly told Trump during their summit in June in Singapore that he was willing to talk to arch-enemy Japan. With South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in also courting Kim, fears have risen in Japan that it could be shut out of any ultimate resolution on North Korea if it refuses dialogue. Trump in his own UN address earlier Tuesday pointed to his "bold and new push for peace" and saluted Kim's courage. It was a far cry from a year ago, when Trump stunned assembled leaders by threatening to "totally destroy" North Korea and belittling "rocket man" Kim. Despite Trump's optimism, many analysts are skeptical on how much North Korea has changed, saying the regime has already conducted the tests it needed to build its nuclear and missile programs.

Japan PM Abe open to summit with North Korea's Kim

By:&nbspLynn T. White III*

At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea.

As a scholar of comparative politics and East Asian studies, I believe that two recent developments – not just one – demand new U.S. policy. So far, the world's attention has been on the first development: the fact that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Less attention has been paid to the second one: recent displays of pan-Korean patriotism.

Let me explain why this second development deserves more scrutiny.

Moving toward one Korea

Most South Koreans, remembering past Northern violence, welcomed April 27, 2018, "Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the Korean Peninsula." Signing it with Kim, President Moon Jae-in articulated the South’s interests – and raised his domestic popularity – while restraining the U.S. from an attack on the North.

Moon did this once before. On August 17, 2017, he announced a U.S. agreement not to take military action against the North without the South’s prior consent. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that policy on the same day.

This lessens the chance of conflict. But it also creates a danger for the U.S. If war erupts, Kim might now prefer to hit Americans at bases in Japan, rather than fellow Koreans.

Conventional weapons still a hazard

While these early moves toward stronger relations between the Koreas are a positive sign, the threat of the North's conventional artillery against Seoul remains. Protecting Seoul is a key requirement for South Korea's alliance with the United States.

Seoul has importance even for the North because it is the traditional capital of the whole peninsula. The Joseon dynasty ruled there for half a millennium. Until 1972, the North Korean constitution held that Seoul rather than Pyongyang was legally the capital of all Korea.

So the South has "Korea’s Berlin." Additionally, two-thirds of all Koreans live here and the South’s economy is 35 times larger than the North’s. Its air force and navy are stronger. From K-pop to electronics, the South has remarkable "soft power" too, while the North is addicted to the hard stuff. Pyongyang has multiple weapons of mass destruction.

And while the threat of combat exists, any action is unlikely. The costs of war, as distinct from rhetoric, are prohibitive. The South would suffer, as would the North if the U.S. attacked Kim’s nuclear facilities. He might retaliate by using his artillery against Seoul. National security adviser John Bolton and others in Washington neglect our Korean ally's interests when they focus solely on eliminating North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic capacity.

President Moon, like leaders in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo, would prefer that Pyongyang implement "complete, verifiable, irreversible" denuclearisation.

But Kim believes that Korea's history of division by foreign powers gives him a right not to follow the usual rules.&nbspThis is more important to him than keeping promises. The fact is that Pyongyang has sporadically in past years committed to denuclearisation. It formally withdrew from the Nonproliferation Treaty only in 2003. The Kim dynasty, in other words, did not follow through on its commitment to shed nuclear weapons.

Total, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation is likely “a bridge too far” in the current context – Kim will not agree to it. In any case, complete verification depends on seeking violations, which is difficult in a dictatorial police state.

Complete denuclearisation will be a matter for the future. Demanding it now will not lead to peace on the peninsula or internationally. It is Korean politics, not just Washington politics, that will affect what happens in both the short and long term. Few guess that Kim will fully surrender his only serious power, no matter what he says.

First, more South-North contacts

Kim cannot restrict the appeal to the North of the South’s lifestyle and prosperity forever. South-North contacts will slowly weaken Kim. His unreliability, the factor that makes him dangerous to the U.S., will be tempered as these contacts with South Korea strengthen. He, together with Moon, has let the genie of patriotism out of the bottle, and I don’t think he’ll be able to put it back.

Others have argued that a united Korea is a bigger threat to the U.S., but as I see it, progress toward Korean reunification would reduce the threat to America. A unified Korea would be safer for the U.S. than Pyongyang now is as an isolated nuclear power.

Northern elites cannot maintain their patriotic pretenses without talking about reunification, even though some there, as in the South, do not want it any time soon. Regime change will eventually come to the North. South Koreans know that more contacts with the North can raise their taxes, even as peace raises their security and reunites divided families.

Trump might willingly be persuaded to accept Kim’s claims about denuclearisation, for the sake of advertising the best "deal" he can get. This would likely only slow Pyongyang's program – not end it anytime soon. Negotiations would take multiple meetings, not just one "summit." A period of South-North links should follow, according to protocols the Panmunjom Declaration has established.

Trump may sooner or later turn down a "denuclearisation-without-sure-verification" deal, but in my opinion it is the best available for the U.S. and our allies.

If a future unified Korea emerges, it will still be surrounded by larger and more powerful China, Japan and Russia. And it could want good relations with the strong-but-more-distant U.S.

Rather than dividing the Koreans’ country, America should encourage them to re-create it.

(Lynn T. White III is Professor Emeritus and current Senior Research Scholar in the Woodrow Wilson School, Politics Department, and East Asian Studies Program of Princeton University.)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea

By: Lynn T. White III* At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea. As a scholar of comparative politics and East Asian studies, I believe that two recent developments – not just one – demand new U.S. policy. So far, the world's attention has been on the first development: the fact that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Less attention has been paid to the second one: recent displays of pan-Korean patriotism. Let me explain why this second development deserves more scrutiny. Moving toward one Korea Most South Koreans, remembering past Northern violence, welcomed April 27, 2018, "Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the Korean Peninsula." Signing it with Kim, President Moon Jae-in articulated the South’s interests – and raised his domestic popularity – while restraining the U.S. from an attack on the North. Moon did this once before. On August 17, 2017, he announced a U.S. agreement not to take military action against the North without the South’s prior consent. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that policy on the same day. This lessens the chance of conflict. But it also creates a danger for the U.S. If war erupts, Kim might now prefer to hit Americans at bases in Japan, rather than fellow Koreans. Conventional weapons still a hazard While these early moves toward stronger relations between the Koreas are a positive sign, the threat of the North's conventional artillery against Seoul remains. Protecting Seoul is a key requirement for South Korea's alliance with the United States. Seoul has importance even for the North because it is the traditional capital of the whole peninsula. The Joseon dynasty ruled there for half a millennium. Until 1972, the North Korean constitution held that Seoul rather than Pyongyang was legally the capital of all Korea. So the South has "Korea’s Berlin." Additionally, two-thirds of all Koreans live here and the South’s economy is 35 times larger than the North’s. Its air force and navy are stronger. From K-pop to electronics, the South has remarkable "soft power" too, while the North is addicted to the hard stuff. Pyongyang has multiple weapons of mass destruction. And while the threat of combat exists, any action is unlikely. The costs of war, as distinct from rhetoric, are prohibitive. The South would suffer, as would the North if the U.S. attacked Kim’s nuclear facilities. He might retaliate by using his artillery against Seoul. National security adviser John Bolton and others in Washington neglect our Korean ally's interests when they focus solely on eliminating North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic capacity. President Moon, like leaders in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo, would prefer that Pyongyang implement "complete, verifiable, irreversible" denuclearisation. But Kim believes that Korea's history of division by foreign powers gives him a right not to follow the usual rules.&nbspThis is more important to him than keeping promises. The fact is that Pyongyang has sporadically in past years committed to denuclearisation. It formally withdrew from the Nonproliferation Treaty only in 2003. The Kim dynasty, in other words, did not follow through on its commitment to shed nuclear weapons. Total, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation is likely “a bridge too far” in the current context – Kim will not agree to it. In any case, complete verification depends on seeking violations, which is difficult in a dictatorial police state. Complete denuclearisation will be a matter for the future. Demanding it now will not lead to peace on the peninsula or internationally. It is Korean politics, not just Washington politics, that will affect what happens in both the short and long term. Few guess that Kim will fully surrender his only serious power, no matter what he says. First, more South-North contacts Kim cannot restrict the appeal to the North of the South’s lifestyle and prosperity forever. South-North contacts will slowly weaken Kim. His unreliability, the factor that makes him dangerous to the U.S., will be tempered as these contacts with South Korea strengthen. He, together with Moon, has let the genie of patriotism out of the bottle, and I don’t think he’ll be able to put it back. Others have argued that a united Korea is a bigger threat to the U.S., but as I see it, progress toward Korean reunification would reduce the threat to America. A unified Korea would be safer for the U.S. than Pyongyang now is as an isolated nuclear power. Northern elites cannot maintain their patriotic pretenses without talking about reunification, even though some there, as in the South, do not want it any time soon. Regime change will eventually come to the North. South Koreans know that more contacts with the North can raise their taxes, even as peace raises their security and reunites divided families. Trump might willingly be persuaded to accept Kim’s claims about denuclearisation, for the sake of advertising the best "deal" he can get. This would likely only slow Pyongyang's program – not end it anytime soon. Negotiations would take multiple meetings, not just one "summit." A period of South-North links should follow, according to protocols the Panmunjom Declaration has established. Trump may sooner or later turn down a "denuclearisation-without-sure-verification" deal, but in my opinion it is the best available for the U.S. and our allies. If a future unified Korea emerges, it will still be surrounded by larger and more powerful China, Japan and Russia. And it could want good relations with the strong-but-more-distant U.S. Rather than dividing the Koreans’ country, America should encourage them to re-create it. (Lynn T. White III is Professor Emeritus and current Senior Research Scholar in the Woodrow Wilson School, Politics Department, and East Asian Studies Program of Princeton University.) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Memo to President Trump on meeting with Kim Jong-un

Ahead of the possible summit between the United States and North Korea, former North Korea spy chief and senior official Kim Yong Chol headed to Washington reportedly for talks with US officials, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday.

According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington.&nbsp

Kim Yong Chol has been closely involved with talks with South Korea as well and his visit to the United States would further indicate preparations for the historic summit is moving ahead.

Meanwhile on Sunday also, US and North Korean officials met at a border village to resume the preparations for the first summit.

He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North.&nbsp

However, On Saturday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-may-attend-us-north-korea-summit-report-140328">Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting</a> at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit.

On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

&nbsp

According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington

Ahead of the possible summit between the United States and North Korea, former North Korea spy chief and senior official Kim Yong Chol headed to Washington reportedly for talks with US officials, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington. Kim Yong Chol has been closely involved with talks with South Korea as well and his visit to the United States would further indicate preparations for the historic summit is moving ahead. Meanwhile on Sunday also, US and North Korean officials met at a border village to resume the preparations for the first summit. He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North. However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit. On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

Former North Korea spy chief on his way to Washington for talks with US officials: Report

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said.

According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders.

Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North.&nbsp

However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit.

On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable".

(With inputs from news agencies)

 
&nbsp

However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders

Already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said. According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders. Meanwhile, US and North Korean officials met on Sunday at a border truce village to resume the preparations for the first ever face to face summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North. However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit. On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place. Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang. President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable". (With inputs from news agencies)

South Korean president Moon Jae-in may attend US-North Korea summit: Report

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality.

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene.

Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed.

While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender.&nbsp

The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted.&nbsp

"When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP.

"Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress.

Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade.

One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers.

"The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette.

"I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male."

Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers.

Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year.

Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events.&nbsp

Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration.&nbsp

Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed.

"It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene

South Korea held its first ever drag parade this weekend, a small but significant step for rights activists in a country that remains deeply conservative when it comes to gender and sexuality. Dozens of drag queens and kings marched through Itaewon on Saturday, a suburb of Seoul best known for its nightlife and a nascent but vibrant gay scene. Carrying rainbow flags, they cheered and strutted their best outfits, receiving shouts of support and the odd baffled look from those they passed. While homosexuality is not illegal in South Korea, same-sex marriage is not recognised and people cannot legally change their birth gender. The country is home to a large evangelical Christian community and LGBT people feel pervasive pressure to to stay closeted. "When it comes to South Korea, human rights guarantees for sexual minorities are insufficient," Yang Heezy, a drag queen and the organiser of Seoul Drag Parade, told AFP. "Today's drag parade and more queer culture festivals should take place to bring attention to sexual minorities and help those who are not from those minorities learn more," he added, sporting a flame red wig and floral dress. Both South Koreans and foreigners participated in Saturday's parade. One participant, who gave her drag queen name Lola Bank, said there was a feeling of exhilaration among marchers. "The fact that we are able to be in public in drag is a huge milestone to queer acceptance in Korea," Lola enthused, dragging on a cigarette. "I’ve always struggled with my masculinity and my femininity. And when I get in drag I’m saying kind of like a 'fuck you' to society’s expectations of how I should behave as a male." Gay pride parades have been a fixture in South Korea for years but have often been protested by religious groups, who have held rival anti-homosexuality rallies while trying to physically block marchers. Even left-leaning South Korean President Moon Jae-in -– a former human rights lawyer –- said he "opposed homosexuality" during a campaign debate last year. Gay rights activists claim that some progress has been made in recent years, with surveys showing increasing tolerance -- particularly among young people -- and growing participation at gay pride events. Saturday's small parade saw no counter-demonstration. Lee Hyang-soon, an elderly street vendor, smiled and waved to participants as they passed. "It's really cool. Seeing all the foreigners join in, it feels like Korea is becoming world famous," she said. "I'm happy. It's fabulous."

In a first, South Korea holds drag parade with Rainbow flags and high heels

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving "very nicely", US President Donald Trump said Sunday, as the South's leader said Kim told him the talks would be a historic opportunity to end decades of confrontation.

The latest conciliatory declarations capped a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship on the Korean Peninsula that had sent tensions soaring.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling a planned June 12 meeting with Kim in Singapore, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.

But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

"It's moving along very nicely," Trump told reporters late Saturday when asked for an update. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed."

Trump's unpredictability sparked a sudden and surprise meeting on Saturday between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in -- only the fourth time leaders from the two countries have ever met -- as they scrambled to get the talks back on track.

Pictures showed them shaking hands and embracing on the North Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone separating the two nations.

Moon said Kim reached out to him to arrange the hasty meeting "without any formality". There the North Korean leader described the Singapore summit as a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation.

"He... expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters in Seoul on Sunday.

Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said Kim "expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks", using the official abbreviation for North Korea.

Kim said the two Koreas should "positively cooperate with each other as ever to improve the DPRK-US&nbsprelations and establish mechanism for permanent and durable peace," KCNA added, saying South and North Korea would hold another round of "high-level" talks on June 1.

Shaky detente

Trump's original decision to abandon the historic summit initially blindsided South Korea, which had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang and is desperate to avoid conflict breaking out.

However, there was a further signal of progress Saturday as White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed a team of US officials was leaving for Singapore "in order to prepare should the summit take place".

Last year, Trump and Kim were trading war threats and insults after Pyongyang tested its most powerful nuclear weapon to date and missiles it said were capable of reaching the US mainland.

Tensions were calmed after Kim extended an olive branch by offering to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, sparking a rapid detente that led to Trump agreeing to hold direct talks with Pyongyang.

Moon won the election last year partly by vowing to be open to dialogue with the North and finding a solution to a Cold War-era sore that continues to blight the region.

The flurry of diplomatic backslapping and bonhomie disappeared in recent weeks as the summit was thrown into doubt by increasingly bellicose rhetoric from both top US administration officials and Pyongyang.

There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve.

Washington wants North Korea to give up all its nukes in a verifiable way as quickly as possible in return for sanctions and economic relief.

Pyongyang has a different view of what denuclearisation might look like and remains deeply worried that abandoning that deterrent would leave the country vulnerable to regime change.

"Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," Moon told reporters Sunday.

"The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself."

Back on track

Saturday's meeting between Moon and Kim took place on the North Korean side of Panmunjom, a heavily fortified village that lies between the two countries where the 1953 armistice was signed.

Only last month, the two leaders met in the same village, with Kim famously inviting Moon to step briefly into the North before they both held talks in a building on the South's side.

Kim Yong-hyun, professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, said Moon and Kim moved quickly to defuse the crisis after Trump's shock cancellation.

"Moon essentially helped relay messages from Trump to Kim and vice versa, to further smooth the process and to resume negotiations," he told AFP, saying the Singapore meeting was "clearly back on track".

Unlike last month's summit, which was held in front of live TV cameras, Saturday's meeting took place in utmost secrecy, with reporters only told later that the face-to-face had taken place.

Footage released by the Blue House on Twitter, accompanied by a dramatic orchestral score, showed Moon arriving in a convoy of cars and first shaking hands with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong, who has played a major public role in recent talks with the South.

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving 'very nicely', US President Donald Trump said Sunday

Plans for a landmark summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un are moving "very nicely", US President Donald Trump said Sunday, as the South's leader said Kim told him the talks would be a historic opportunity to end decades of confrontation. The latest conciliatory declarations capped a turbulent few days of diplomatic brinkmanship on the Korean Peninsula that had sent tensions soaring. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling a planned June 12 meeting with Kim in Singapore, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. "It's moving along very nicely," Trump told reporters late Saturday when asked for an update. "We're looking at June 12 in Singapore. That hasn't changed." Trump's unpredictability sparked a sudden and surprise meeting on Saturday between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in -- only the fourth time leaders from the two countries have ever met -- as they scrambled to get the talks back on track. Pictures showed them shaking hands and embracing on the North Korean side of the Demilitarised Zone separating the two nations. Moon said Kim reached out to him to arrange the hasty meeting "without any formality". There the North Korean leader described the Singapore summit as a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation. "He... expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters in Seoul on Sunday. Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency said Kim "expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks", using the official abbreviation for North Korea. Kim said the two Koreas should "positively cooperate with each other as ever to improve the DPRK-US&nbsprelations and establish mechanism for permanent and durable peace," KCNA added, saying South and North Korea would hold another round of "high-level" talks on June 1. Shaky detente Trump's original decision to abandon the historic summit initially blindsided South Korea, which had been brokering a remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang and is desperate to avoid conflict breaking out. However, there was a further signal of progress Saturday as White House press secretary Sarah Sanders confirmed a team of US officials was leaving for Singapore "in order to prepare should the summit take place". Last year, Trump and Kim were trading war threats and insults after Pyongyang tested its most powerful nuclear weapon to date and missiles it said were capable of reaching the US mainland. Tensions were calmed after Kim extended an olive branch by offering to send a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, sparking a rapid detente that led to Trump agreeing to hold direct talks with Pyongyang. Moon won the election last year partly by vowing to be open to dialogue with the North and finding a solution to a Cold War-era sore that continues to blight the region. The flurry of diplomatic backslapping and bonhomie disappeared in recent weeks as the summit was thrown into doubt by increasingly bellicose rhetoric from both top US administration officials and Pyongyang. There are still stark differences between what the two sides hope to achieve. Washington wants North Korea to give up all its nukes in a verifiable way as quickly as possible in return for sanctions and economic relief. Pyongyang has a different view of what denuclearisation might look like and remains deeply worried that abandoning that deterrent would leave the country vulnerable to regime change. "Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," Moon told reporters Sunday. "The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself." Back on track Saturday's meeting between Moon and Kim took place on the North Korean side of Panmunjom, a heavily fortified village that lies between the two countries where the 1953 armistice was signed. Only last month, the two leaders met in the same village, with Kim famously inviting Moon to step briefly into the North before they both held talks in a building on the South's side. Kim Yong-hyun, professor of North Korea studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, said Moon and Kim moved quickly to defuse the crisis after Trump's shock cancellation. "Moon essentially helped relay messages from Trump to Kim and vice versa, to further smooth the process and to resume negotiations," he told AFP, saying the Singapore meeting was "clearly back on track". Unlike last month's summit, which was held in front of live TV cameras, Saturday's meeting took place in utmost secrecy, with reporters only told later that the face-to-face had taken place. Footage released by the Blue House on Twitter, accompanied by a dramatic orchestral score, showed Moon arriving in a convoy of cars and first shaking hands with Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong, who has played a major public role in recent talks with the South.

Trump and Kim raise summit hopes after days of brinkmanship

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/korean-leaders-vow-to-meet-frequently-in-the-future-report-140040"> surprise meeting with the North Korean leader</a>.

"He (Kim) also expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters, adding both he and Kim agreed to meet or talk in person "if necessary".

Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit between North Korea and the United States in the city-state of Singapore.

Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his meeting with Kim, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang.

But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials.

During his two hour meeting with Kim, Moon said he urged both Washington and Pyongyang "to remove misunderstandings through direct communication and to have sufficient dialogue in advance through working-level negotiations on the agendas to be agreed upon at the summit".

"Chairman Kim agreed on that," he added.

Moon said the Pyongyang regime reaffirmed its commitment to give up its nuclear weapons but had its own security concerns if it took that step.

"Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," the South Korean president added.

"The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself."

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-still-sees-june-12-singapore-summit-with-kim-140048">Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump</a>

Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit.

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader. "He (Kim) also expressed his intention to put an end to the history of war and confrontation through the success of the North-US summit and to cooperate for peace and prosperity," Moon told reporters, adding both he and Kim agreed to meet or talk in person "if necessary". Moon and Kim held a surprise summit in the Demilitarised Zone separating their two nations on Saturday in a scramble to save a slated June 12 summit between North Korea and the United States in the city-state of Singapore. Trump rattled the region on Thursday by cancelling his meeting with Kim, citing "open hostility" from Pyongyang. But within 24 hours he reversed course, saying it could still go ahead after productive talks were held with North Korean officials. During his two hour meeting with Kim, Moon said he urged both Washington and Pyongyang "to remove misunderstandings through direct communication and to have sufficient dialogue in advance through working-level negotiations on the agendas to be agreed upon at the summit". "Chairman Kim agreed on that," he added. Moon said the Pyongyang regime reaffirmed its commitment to give up its nuclear weapons but had its own security concerns if it took that step. "Kim stressed again that he had a firm determination towards complete denuclearisation," the South Korean president added. "The thing he was uncertain about was not denuclearisation but concerns on whether he could trust that the US would end its hostile policy and guarantee the security of his regime when the North denuclearises itself." Also read: Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump

Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end history of confrontation': South Korea president

South Korea on Saturday welcomed the renewed prospect of a summit between the United States and North Korea after President Trump cancelled talks with Kim Jong Un only to suggest they might still take place.

"We find it fortunate that the embers of the North Korea-US talks are reignited. We are watching developments carefully," Presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-Gyeom said.

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable".

On Friday, Trump turned on his heels again, saying the meeting with Kim could go ahead after all -- and would "likely" happen on the originally scheduled date of June 12 in Singapore.

The summit would be an unprecedented meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, which Washington hopes will result in full denuclearisation of the reclusive state.

South Korea's Moon has pushed diplomacy as he desperately sought to calm spiralling tensions on the Korean Peninsula and an escalating war of words between Kim and Trump last year sparked by Pyongyang's detonation of its largest nuclear bomb to date and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests.&nbsp;

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang

South Korea on Saturday welcomed the renewed prospect of a summit between the United States and North Korea after President Trump cancelled talks with Kim Jong Un only to suggest they might still take place. "We find it fortunate that the embers of the North Korea-US talks are reignited. We are watching developments carefully," Presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-Gyeom said. Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang. President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable". On Friday, Trump turned on his heels again, saying the meeting with Kim could go ahead after all -- and would "likely" happen on the originally scheduled date of June 12 in Singapore. The summit would be an unprecedented meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, which Washington hopes will result in full denuclearisation of the reclusive state. South Korea's Moon has pushed diplomacy as he desperately sought to calm spiralling tensions on the Korean Peninsula and an escalating war of words between Kim and Trump last year sparked by Pyongyang's detonation of its largest nuclear bomb to date and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests.

South Korea welcomes prospect of 'reignited' US-North Korea talks

India's minister of state for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-cancel-us-summit-137331">external affairs General VK Singh</a> visited North Korea from May 15-16.

India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

The moves comes as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-suspends-talks-with-south-over-military-exercises-warns-on-trump-kim-summit-137211">President Trump is due to meet</a> North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore next month. Kim had met South&nbsp;Korean president&nbsp;&nbsp;Moon Jae-in along the DMZ last month and had announced moves to "denuclearize" his country.&nbsp;

During the visit, VK Singh held discussions with the Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the praesidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Ri Yong Ho and foreign minister Pak Chun Nam.

India's external affairs minister also met with North Korea's minister of culture and vice foreign minister and discussed a range of issues covering political, regional, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said.

On his part, VK Singh reiterated India’s support to the joint peace initiative between North and South Korea encouraging both sides for their efforts towards establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;

VK Singh also highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India's concern in the context of the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, sources added.

The North Korean side emphasized that "as a friendly country it will never allow any action that would create concerns for India's security."

The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said.

India's minister of state for external affairs General VK Singh visited North Korea from May 15-16. India and North Korea had established diplomatic relations in December, 1973, this year marks the 45th anniversary of relations between the two countries. The moves comes as President Trump is due to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore next month. Kim had met South Korean president Moon Jae-in along the DMZ last month and had announced moves to "denuclearize" his country. During the visit, VK Singh held discussions with the Kim Yong Dae, vice-president of the praesidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, Ri Yong Ho and foreign minister Pak Chun Nam. India's external affairs minister also met with North Korea's minister of culture and vice foreign minister and discussed a range of issues covering political, regional, economic, educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries. The North Korean side provided an overview of some of the recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, sources said. On his part, VK Singh reiterated India’s support to the joint peace initiative between North and South Korea encouraging both sides for their efforts towards establishment of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. VK Singh also highlighted the threat from nuclear proliferation, in particular, India's concern in the context of the proliferation linkages with India's neighbourhood, sources added. The North Korean side emphasized that "as a friendly country it will never allow any action that would create concerns for India's security."

In a first, India's minister VK Singh visits North Korea, meets top officials

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