The joint statement was another important measure for settling the serious situation prevailing on the Korean Peninsula and between the north and the south and achieving national reunification as soon as possible, he noted, and continued:

It is the consistent stand of the DPRK to improve the north-south relations, promote the national reconciliation and unity and open a decisive phase for the peace and the reunification of the peninsula through dialogue and negotiations.

He expressed belief that a decisive phase will be opened for the peace and reunification of the peninsula if the north and the south promote reconciliation and unity and head for dialogue and negotiations in the idea of "By our nation itself."