The two Koreas released the following joint press statement at the
end of the high-level talks held on Tuesday, January 9.
[Joint Press Statement on the Inter-Korean High-Level Government Talks]
The two Koreas held high-level government talks at Panmunjeom on
January 9, 2018
At the talks, the two sides earnestly discussed the issue of the
North’s participation in the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics and
Paralympics and other key issues for improving bilateral relations in
a way that could live up to wishes and expectations on both sides. The
two sides agreed as follows:
1. The two sides agreed to cooperate positively to ensure the
PyeongChang Winter Olympics and Paralympics being held in the South go
successfully in a bid to enhance Koreans’ global status.
In that regard, in addition to its athletes, the North agreed to
dispatch its high-level delegation, an Olympic Committee delegation,
cheering squad, cultural performance troupe, taekwondo demonstration
group, and a delegation of observers and press, and the South agreed
to provide necessary conveniences to them.
The two sides agreed to hold working-level talks to discuss the
North’s dispatch of an advance party for the on-site inspection and
evaluating the North’s participation in the Games, with the relevant
timetable to be discussed through documents.
2. The two sides agreed to make joint efforts for national
reconciliation and unity by easing military tensions and fostering a
peaceful atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula.
The two sides shared the view that current military tensions need to
be eased, and agreed to hold military talks to that end.
The two sides agreed to strive for national reconciliation and unity
through instituting continued contact, exchanges, and cooperation in a
range of areas.
3. The two sides said that they will honor all announcements made
jointly between them and agreed to resolve all problems related to
their bilateral relations through dialogue and negotiation as direct
parties to issues related to the Korean Peninsula.
To this end, the two sides agreed to hold meetings in many areas,
along with high-level talks designed to improve bilateral relations.
January 9, 2018
At Panmunjeom
