He said that the adoption of the joint declaration was a very great event which provided a cornerstone for the improved north-south relations and the reunification of the Korean peninsula and opened up a new era of reunification.

He noted: The north and the south of Korea agreed to settle the issue of national reunification independently by the concerted efforts of the Korean nation. It's because the Korean nation is responsible for the reunification.

The reunification of the Korean peninsula can never be achieved as long as there is foreign interference.

There took place good undertakings between the north and the south after the publication of the joint declaration.

But the north-south relations are getting very serious due to the moves of the anti-reunification forces at home and abroad disturbing reconciliation and cooperation on the Korean peninsula and its reunification.

The way of improving the relations between the north and the south of Korea and reunifying it lies in implementing the joint declaration.