Delegation from Korean Federation in Canada
Inspired by DPRK’s 70th Anniversary Celebrations
of the DPRK.
From September 4 to 13, a 12-member delegation of the Korean Federation in Canada, part of an international network of progressive and patriotic Koreans living outside of the Korean Peninsula, participated in events in Pyongyang commemorating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Mrs. S.Y. Chun, past Chair of the Korean Federation in Canada, who was part of the Canadian delegation, informed TML Weekly that the visit was very inspiring to the members of the delegation because it took place in the context of the changed political atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula. She pointed out that as a result of the Panmunjom Declaration and the efforts of the north and south to work together, the Korean people are feeling optimistic and hopeful that peace and stability will be achieved on the peninsula and, in the not too distant future, the reunification of Korea itself.
While in the DPRK, the Canadian delegation participated in many rallies and events organized for the 70th anniversary of the DPRK’s founding, and also had opportunities to meet sister Korean Federation chapters from Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, China and Russia and share experiences. Plans were also made to convene overseas Koreans later in the year to discuss and adopt practical measures in their various countries to contribute to implementing the Panmunjom Declaration.
According to Mrs. Chun, the Canadian delegation observed that under the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea and Chairman Kim Jong Un, various sectors of the DPRK economy are being rapidly developed despite the challenges posed by the unjust political and economic sanctions. This has been achieved by appealing to the workers, and especially the youth, to step up production and build the economy.
Before leaving the country, members of the Canadian delegation, with delegates from other countries, took a commemorative photograph with Kim Yong Nam, President of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK. The delegation has returned home to Canada determined to play its role in furthering the cause of peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Text of September Pyongyang Joint Declaration
The leaders expressed their appreciation that, after the historic Panmunjom Declaration, wonderful achievements have been witnessed, such as close dialogue and negotiations between the authorities of the north and the south, multilateral NGO exchanges and cooperation and important measures for the detente of military tension.
They reconfirmed the principles of national independence and self-determination and agreed to develop inter-Korean ties in a consistent and sustained way for national reconciliation, cooperation, and peace and common prosperity, and agreed to strive to provide policy to guarantee the realization of the aspirations of all their fellow countrymen to lead the present improved north-south ties to reunification.
They had a frank and in-depth discussion on all issues and practical measures for advancing north-south ties to a new higher stage by thoroughly implementing the Panmunjom Declaration, and shared the understanding that the Pyongyang Summit would mark an important historic turning point, before declaring as follows:
1. The north and the south have decided to lead the termination of military hostility in the areas of confrontation, including the Demilitarized Zone, for the substantial removal of the danger of war and fundamental eradication of hostility in the whole of the Korean Peninsula.
First, the north and the south agreed to adopt the “military agreement to implement the Panmunjom Declaration,” concluded in the period of the Pyongyang Summit talks, as an annex to the Pyongyang Joint Declaration, strictly adhere to and sincerely implement it and take practical measures pro-actively to make the Korean Peninsula a lasting peace zone.
Second, the north and the south agreed to bring the north-south joint military committee into operation as early as possible, examine the implementation of the military agreement, and have constant contact and discussion for the prevention of accidental armed clashes.
2. The north and the south decided to take practical measures to further boost exchanges and cooperation and to develop the nation’s economy in a balanced way on the principle of mutual benefit and common interests and prosperity.
First, the north and the south agreed to hold groundbreaking ceremonies to reconnect severed railways and roads on the east and west coasts and modernize them this year.
Second, the north and the south agreed to put the operation of the Kaesong Industrial Park and Mount Kumgang tourism on a normal track, as conditions ripen and hold consultations on establishing the West Sea joint special economic zone and the East Sea joint special tourism zone.
Third, the north and the south agreed to actively promote north-south environmental cooperation for the protection and restoration of the natural ecosystem and to work primarily to achieve practical success in the cooperation project in forestry now underway.
Fourth, the north and the south agreed to bolster cooperation in the anti-epidemic and public health fields, including emergency measures for the prevention of the influx and spread of infectious diseases.
3. The north and the south decided to further promote humanitarian cooperation for the fundamental settlement of the issue of separated families and their relatives.
First, the north and the south agreed to open the reunion building for separated families and their relatives in the Mount Kumgang area, restoring the facilities to this end, as soon as possible.
Second, the north and the south agreed to discuss and settle the issue of online meetings and exchange of video messages between separated families and their relatives on a priority basis through Red Cross talks.
4. The north and the south decided to actively promote cooperation and exchanges in various fields so as to encourage the atmosphere of reconciliation and unity and demonstrate at home and abroad the resilience of the Korean nation.
First, the north and the south agreed to further boost exchanges in the fields of culture and arts and to ensure, above all, the Pyongyang art troupe’s performance in Seoul in October.
Second, the north and the south agreed to make active joint advance in international games, including the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, and to cooperate to win a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympics.
Third, the north and the south agreed to hold significant events to meaningfully commemorate the 11th anniversary of the October 4th Declaration, jointly commemorate the centenary of the March 1st Popular Uprising, and discuss technical plans for these.
5. The north and the south share the view that the Korean Peninsula should be turned into a peace zone free of nuclear weapons and nuclear threat, and necessary practical progress should be made as early as possible to this end.
First, the north side has decided to permanently shut down the Tongchang-ri engine test ground and rocket launch pad, with the participation of experts from related countries. Second, the north side expressed its willingness to take additional steps, such as the permanent shutdown of the Nyongbyon nuclear facility, if the United States takes corresponding steps in line with the spirit of the June 12 DPRK-U.S. joint statement.
Third, the north and the south agreed to closely cooperate in the course of pushing ahead with the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
6. Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un agreed to visit Seoul in the near future at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in.
Kim Jong Un
Chairman, State Affairs Commission, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Moon Jae-in
President, Republic of Korea
September 19, 2018
JUST PEAce COMMITTEE 