South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Il signed an eight-point joint declaration in Pyongyang on Thursday.
The following are the main points of the document:
1. The South and the North shall uphold and endeavor actively to realize the June 15 Declaration.
The South and the North have agreed to resolve the issue of unification on their own initiative and according to the spirit of "by-the-Korean-people-themselves."
2. They have agreed to firmly transform inter-Korean relations into ties of mutual respect and trust, transcending the differences in ideology and systems by pursuing dialogue and contacts in various areas.
3. The South and the North have agreed to closely work together to put an end to military hostilities, mitigate tensions and guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula by dialogue and negotiation.
They have agreed to designate a joint fishing area in the West Sea to avoid accidental clashes.
The defense ministers of two sides have also agreed to hold talks in Pyongyang in November to discuss military confidence-building measures.
4. The South and the North both recognize the need to end the current armistice regime and build a permanent peace regime. They have also agreed to work together to advance the matter of having the leaders of the three or four parties directly concerned to convene on the Peninsula and declare an end to the war.
With regard to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the two sides have agreed to work together to implement smoothly the Sept. 19, 2005 Joint Statement and the Feb. 13, 2007 Agreement achieved at the Six-Party Talks.
5. The South and the North have agreed to facilitate, expand, and further develop inter-Korean economic cooperation projects on the Korean Peninsula in accordance with the principles of common interests, co-prosperity and mutual aid.
They have agreed to create a "special peace and cooperation zone in the West Sea" encompassing Haeju and vicinity, and boost the development of the Kaesong Industrial Complex.
The South and North have agreed to extend cooperation in such fields as transportation, agriculture, health and medical services and environmental protection.
The South and the North have also agreed to upgrade the status of the existing Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation Promotion Committee to a Joint Committee for Inter-Korean Economic Cooperation to be headed by deputy prime minister-level officials.
6. The South and the North have agreed to boost exchanges and cooperation in the social areas covering history, language, education, science and technology, culture and arts, and sports to highlight the long history and excellent culture of the Korean people.
They have agreed to carry out tours to Mt. Paektu and open nonstop flight services between Seoul and Mt. Paektu for this purpose.
The two sides have agreed to send a joint cheering squad from both sides to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The squad will use the Gyeongui Railway Line for the first-ever joint Olympic cheering.
7. The South and the North have agreed to actively promote humanitarian cooperation projects and expand reunion of separated family members and their relatives.
8. The South and the North have agreed to increase cooperation to promote the interests of the Korean people and the rights and interests of overseas Koreans on the international stage.
They have agreed to hold inter-Korean prime ministers' talks for the implementation of this Declaration and have agreed to hold the first round of meetings in November 2007 in Seoul.
The South and the North have agreed that their highest authorities will meet frequently for the advancement of relations between the two sides.
Source: Xinhua
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