The leaders of North and South Korea exchanged “warm” letters ahead of the New Year, pledging to work toward peace and prosperity in 2019.
The diplomatic exchange follows a year of détente between the two neighboring powers, which are technically still at war.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrote to South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressing his hope that the pair meet “often” in 2019 to work towards denuclearization on the Korean peninsula, South Korea’s presidential office said Sunday.
The two Korean leaders have held three summits in 2018, including Moon’s visit to the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, which marked the first time a South Korean leader had visited the city in 11 years.
Kim said the pair had achieved “bold and realistic measures” in 2018 which had succeeded in making our nations “depart from fear of war and the military tension.”
Responding to the letter, Moon said he welcomed Kim’s intention to work together.
“There will still be a lot of difficulties ahead,” Moon said. “However, our hearts will become more open if we put in that much effort. There’s no change in our heart about welcoming Chairman Kim.”
The past year has seen the rivals take important steps toward peace and friendlier diplomatic relations.
Since Moon’s election, the North and South have pledged to work toward ending the Korean War and to avoid military provocations. They have also allowed families divided by the war brief and emotional reunions, and held the promise of future economic ties.