President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their summit talks. (Photo on the courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae)

President Moon Jae-in, on a state visit to Singapore, expressed optimism on June 12 that negotiations between the United States and North Korea would be successful amid the United States’ rising doubt over NK’s sincerity on its commitment on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
As to the North Korean foreign ministry’s statement denouncing the US, President Moon said it was about NK’s complaint that they was taking steps in a sincere manner, but the US was not taking reciprocal steps, and it could be considered NK’s possible strategy in a process of negotiations.
In a statement, the NK’s foreign ministry criticized the US, calling U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo’s demand on denuclearization last week, a “gangster-like one,” Despite the NK’s ministry statement, President Moon expressed hope on NK’s denuclearization.
The day marked one month since the US-NK summit took place in Singapore. President Moon gave detailed predictions during his meetings with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and President Halimah binti Yacob.
One of the important things in the US-NK negotiations is that NK’s demand for US’s reciprocal steps concerns an end to hostile relationships and trust-building, not the past ones on easing of sanctions against NK and economic rewards, the president said.
President Moon predicted that a deal was struck well during the US-NK summit, but working-level negotiations to work out a detailed action plan were somewhat not smooth, and it would take a long time. The outcomes of Secretary Pompeo’s visit to NK were such a symbolic indication, he said.
US-NK negations are on a normal track, President Moon said, however. None can predict outcomes, but he cautiously forecast that if NK implements a full denuclearization and the international community makes concerted efforts to ensure the safety of NK, US-NK negotiations would be successful.
Korea-Singapore Upgrades Ties
President Moon and Prime Minister Lee agreed to upgrade bilateral relationships. Announcing the joint statement, President Moon said if the both countries combine their excellent technology and capital power to make preparations for the advent of the 4th Industrial Revolution, remarked outcomes can be achieved in such high-tech areas as advanced manufacturing, AI, big data, Pintech, bio and medical care. Prime Minister Lee said many Singapore companies want to invest in real estate, manufacturing, electronics, transportation, and food products in Korea.
President Moon on a state visit to India, agreed to further ramp up the existing “special strategic partnership during his summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India’s state guesthouse on July 10. The two leaders revealed a shared vision that targets to boost bilateral trade between them from current about $20 billion to $ 50 billion by 2030. The Vision Statement reaffirmed that Korea and India are forward-looking, indispensable partners in President Moon’s New Southern Policy and Prime Minister Modi’s Act East Policy. It also set a goal to raise bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
First, based on their shared political philosophy that prioritizes the people, the two leaders agreed to further promote broad exchanges to help the peoples of both nations better understand one another. One project to be pursued in this regard involves upgrading the monument of Queen Heo Hwang-ok in Ayodhya, India, to symbolize the time-honored bonds between the two countries.
Second, President Moon and Prime Minister Modi resolved to work for the speedy conclusion of ongoing negotiations to upgrade the ROK-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in addition to completing some elements of the negotiations ahead of schedule. They also agreed to actively promote mutual prosperity by making the most of the complementary economic structures and enormous potential for cooperation between the two countries with regard to trade and infrastructure construction.
Third, the two countries decided to combine their strength for peace and stability in the region and to closely cooperate for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace. In addition, they agreed to collaborate in national defense, the defense industry, counter-terrorism and make efforts to consult regularly on diplomacy and security.
Lastly, the two sides agreed to set up the Korea-India Future Vision Strategy Group and the India-Korea Center for Research and Innovation by combining talented Indian human resources and Korean technology. In addition, they agreed to prepare for the future together through joint research in science and technology and other measures.