ROK and Inter-Korean relations

February 2003

  • Toward an Age of Peace and Prosperity
    Full Text of Roh's Inaugural Speech, February 25, 2003
    In particular, global concern is rising over the North Korean nuclear issue. This is the time to make a determined effort to safeguard peace and have it firmly rooted on the peninsula.
    ......a dream of seeing a regional community of peace and co prosperity in Northeast Asia like the European Union. The Age of Northeast Asia will then finally come to full fruition
    .....we have made great efforts to promote peace in the land and the results have been remarkable. Exchanges of people and merchandise between the two Koreas are taking place routinely, almost on a daily basis. Inter-Korean travel routes are open on land and sea and in the air. In this process, however, we have come to learn that we need to pursue North Korea policies based on a broader national consensus
    I have several principles that I plan to adhere to in pushing the "policy for peace and prosperity" on the Korean Peninsula. First, I will try to resolve all pending issues through dialogue. Second, I will give priority to building mutual trust and upholding reciprocity. Third, I will seek active international cooperation on the premise that South and North Korea are the two main actors in inter-Korean relations. And fourth, I will enhance transparency, expand citizen participation, and secure bipartisan support. I will implement my policy for peace and prosperity with the support of the general public.
    I would like to emphasize again that the North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue     [Eurasian] [SK NK relations] [SK US relations]
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