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President Moon Jae-in (left) speaks to the press in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 30 following a summit with his U.S. counterpart.

By Sohn JiAe
Photos = Cheong Wa Dae

“Korea and the U.S. have agreed to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula — our common goal — in a peaceful manner.”

President Moon Jae-in addressed the public when he arrived home at the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Province, on July 2. “We’ve secured U.S. support for us to have a leading role in addressing issues on the peninsula by means of dialogue.”

“President Donald Trump and I discussed pending issues involving the peninsula, sometimes fiercely and candidly,” said President Moon. “We now have to embark on a long journey to establish a permanent system of peace across the peninsula. With this Korea-U.S. summit, we’ve made the first steps in the journey and will work together to untie the tangled knots one by one.”

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President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a summit at the White House on June 30.

The two leaders adopted a joint statement following the summit at the White House on June 20. They agreed to further enhance the Korea-U.S. alliance and to cooperate on dealing with the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons.

“I’ve confirmed President Trump’s firm determination to develop our alliance, to solve the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons, and to establish permanent peace on the peninsula,” said President Moon at a press conference at the Rose Garden following the summit in Washington, D.C.

“Both nations have reiterated our commitment to strengthening our overwhelming deterrence against North Korea by means of the Korea-U.S. combined defense capabilities, and to respond firmly to any provocations from Pyongyang,” he stressed.

“President Trump and I share the top priority to resolve the North Korean nuclear weapons issue, closely coordinating on our joint North Korea policies. Our two sides also affirmed our commitment to taking advantage of not only sanctions but also dialogue with the Pyongyang regime in a step-by-step and comprehensive manner, in an effort to solve the nuclear weapons issue, basically,” said President Moon.

President Trump emphasized that, “We’re working closely with South Korea and Japan, as well as partners around the world, on a range of diplomatic, security and economic measures to protect our allies and our own citizens from this menace known as North Korea.”

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President Moon Jae-in (left) shakes hands with his U.S. counterpart during a press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 30.

Besides strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and maintaining close coordination on North Korea policies, the joint statement adopted by the two leaders stipulates advancing fair trade to promote economic growth, enhancing bilateral cooperation on other economic opportunities, actively collaborating as global partners and a stronger future for the alliance.

The two presidents committed to foster “expanded and balanced trade while creating reciprocal benefits and fair treatment between the two countries,” in particular.

President Trump said, “We’re working to create a fair and reciprocal economic relationship. I’m encouraged by President Moon’s assurance that he will work to create a level playing field so that American workers and businesses, and especially automakers, can have a fair shake at dealing with South Korea.”

President Moon said, “We share the idea that economic cooperation between our two countries serves as a key driver in the future-oriented development of our alliance. We will work together to bring about reciprocal outcomes for both peoples by boosting economic growth and creating jobs from which both countries can benefit.”

Moon concluded the summit by inviting Trump to Korea, saying, “Your visit to Korea could be a testament to the friendship of our two peoples, a friendship that has continued to this day over the past many decades, not to mention our own personal friendship. I will prepare for your visit so that it will mark a new milestone in our relationship.”

jiae5853@korea.kr

* The full text of the joint statement can be read here. President Moon Jae-in (left) speaks to the press in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 30 following a summit with his U.S. counterpart. By Sohn JiAe Photos = Cheong Wa Dae “Korea and the U.S. have agreed to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula — our common goal — in a peaceful manner.” President Moon Jae-in addressed the public when he arrived home at the Seoul Air Base in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do Province, on July 2. “We’ve secured U.S. support for us to have a leading role in addressing issues on the peninsula by means of dialogue.” “President Donald Trump and I discussed pending issues involving the peninsula, sometimes fiercely and candidly,” said President Moon. “We now have to embark on a long journey to establish a permanent system of peace across the peninsula. With this Korea-U.S. summit, we’ve made the first steps in the journey and will work together to untie the tangled knots one by one.” President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump hold a summit at the White House on June 30. The two leaders adopted a joint statement following the summit at the White House on June 20. They agreed to further enhance the Korea-U.S. alliance and to cooperate on dealing with the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons. “I’ve confirmed President Trump’s firm determination to develop our alliance, to solve the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons, and to establish permanent peace on the peninsula,” said President Moon at a press conference at the Rose Garden following the summit in Washington, D.C.   “Both nations have reiterated our commitment to strengthening our overwhelming deterrence against North Korea by means of the Korea-U.S. combined defense capabilities, and to respond firmly to any provocations from Pyongyang,” he stressed. “President Trump and I share the top priority to resolve the North Korean nuclear weapons issue, closely coordinating on our joint North Korea policies. Our two sides also affirmed our commitment to taking advantage of not only sanctions but also dialogue with the Pyongyang regime in a step-by-step and comprehensive manner, in an effort to solve the nuclear weapons issue, basically,” said President Moon. President Trump emphasized that, “We’re working closely with South Korea and Japan, as well as partners around the world, on a range of diplomatic, security and economic measures to protect our allies and our own citizens from this menace known as North Korea.” President Moon Jae-in (left) shakes hands with his U.S. counterpart during a press conference in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 30. Besides strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance and maintaining close coordination on North Korea policies, the joint statement adopted by the two leaders stipulates advancing fair trade to promote economic growth, enhancing bilateral cooperation on other economic opportunities, actively collaborating as global partners and a stronger future for the alliance. The two presidents committed to foster “expanded and balanced trade while creating reciprocal benefits and fair treatment between the two countries,” in particular. President Trump said, “We’re working to create a fair and reciprocal economic relationship. I’m encouraged by President Moon’s assurance that he will work to create a level playing field so that American workers and businesses, and especially automakers, can have a fair shake at dealing with South Korea.” President Moon said, “We share the idea that economic cooperation between our two countries serves as a key driver in the future-oriented development of our alliance. We will work together to bring about reciprocal outcomes for both peoples by boosting economic growth and creating jobs from which both countries can benefit.” Moon concluded the summit by inviting Trump to Korea, saying, “Your visit to Korea could be a testament to the friendship of our two peoples, a friendship that has continued to this day over the past many decades, not to mention our own personal friendship. I will prepare for your visit so that it will mark a new milestone in our relationship.” jiae5853@korea.kr * The full text of the joint statement can be read here.