Full text of the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification on the Korean Peninsula

The two leaders officially declared before 80 million people of both Koreas and the whole world that there will be no more war on the Korean Peninsula, and from now on an era of peace has begun.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol Ju, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook at the truce village of Panmunjom. Photo: AP

The two leaders, sharing the firm commitment to bring a swift end to the Cold War vestige of longstanding division and confrontation, to vigorously advance toward an era of national reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and to improve and strengthen inter-Korean relations in a more proactive manner, issued the following historic declaration:

1. South and North Korea will reconnect the blood relations of the people and bring about a future of co-prosperity and unification led by the people by advancing inter-Korean relations in an all-round and groundbreaking manner. Improving and strengthening inter-Korean relations is the common desire of the entire nation and an urgent calling of the times that cannot be delayed any further.

a. South and North Korea agreed on the principle of determining the destiny of Korea in accordance with their own will and agreed to bring about a watershed moment for the improvement of inter-Korean relations by fully implementing all existing agreements and declarations between the two countries.

b. South and North Korea agreed to hold dialogue and negotiations in various fields including high-level talks, and to take active measures for the implementation of the agreements reached at the summit.

c. South and North Korea agreed to establish a joint liaison office with representatives from each side in the Gaeseong region with the aim of facilitating close consultation between officials of the two sides as well as smooth exchanges and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

d. South and North Korea agreed to encourage more active cooperation, exchanges, visits and contacts at all levels in order to revitalize the sense of national reconciliation and unification. The two sides will also encourage the atmosphere of amity and cooperation by staging various joint events on dates of special significance to the two Koreas such as July 15 in which participants from all levels, including central and local governments, parliaments, political parties and civil organizations, will be in attendance. On the international front, the two sides agreed to demonstrate their wisdom, ingenuity and solidarity by participating in international sports events such as the 2018 Asian Games.

e. South and North Korea agreed to make efforts to swiftly resolve the humanitarian issues arising from the division of the Korean Peninsula, and convene an Inter-Korean Red Cross Meeting to discuss and resolve various issues including reunions of separated families during the Korean War. South and North Korea agreed to actively pursue reunion programs for the separated families on the occasion of the Independence Day of July 15 this year.

f. South and North Korea agreed to actively implement the projects agreed in the 2007 October 4 Declaration, in order to promote sustainable economic growth and co-prosperity between the two countries. As a first step, the two sides agreed to adopt practical steps towards the connection and modernization of the railways and roads on the eastern transportation corridor as well as between Seoul and Sinuiju.

The two Koreas signed a joint statement. Photo: AP

2. South and North Korea will make joint efforts to alleviate military tensions and gradually eliminate the danger of war on the Korean Peninsula.

a. South and North Korea agreed to completely cease all hostile acts against each other by land, air and sea, which are the source of military tension and conflict. The two sides agreed to transform the demilitarized zone into a peace zone in the most practical manner, meaning that from May 1, all hostile acts, including broadcasting through loudspeakers and distribution of leaflets, will be eliminated in the areas along the Military Demarcation Line.

b. South and North Korea agreed to turn the area around the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea into a maritime peace zone in order to prevent accidental military clashes and ensure safe fishing activities.

c. South and North Korea agreed to take various military measures to ensure active cooperation, exchanges, visits, and contacts between the two sides. The two sides agreed to hold regular meetings of military officials, including meetings of the defense ministers, to discuss and immediately resolve military issues that have arisen between them. In this regard, the two sides agreed to convene the first general-level military meeting in May.

3. South and North Korea will actively cooperate to establish a permanent and solid peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Bringing an end to the current abnormal situation and establishing a robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula is a historic mission that must not be delayed any further.

a. South and North Korea reaffirmed the Non-Aggression Agreement, which prohibits the use of force in any form, and agreed to strictly abide by this Agreement.

b. South and North Korea agreed to carry out disarmament in a phased manner, amid the alleviation of military tension and substantial progress in military confidence-building.

c. During this year that marks the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice Agreement, South and North Korea agreed to actively pursue trilateral negotiations involving the two Koreas and the United States, or quadrilateral negotiations involving the two Koreas, the United States and China with the aim of declaring an end to the War and establishing a lasting and robust peace regime.

d. South and North Korea affirmed the common goal of realizing a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization. South and North Korea shared the view that the measures proposed by North Korea are extremely meaningful and crucial for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and agreed to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities. South and North Korea agreed to actively seek the support and cooperation of the international community toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The two leaders agreed, through regular meetings and direct telephone conversations, to conduct frequent and candid discussions on issues important to the nations, enhance mutual trust, and jointly make efforts to further enhance the positive momentum toward continuous improvement of inter-Korean relations as well as peace, prosperity and unification of the Korean Peninsula.

In that context, President Moon Jae-in agreed to visit Pyongyang this fall.

April 27, 2018

Signed at Panmunjom