Korean Leaders Meet in Pyongyang

Reference


Sang-Hun, C. (2007, October 2). Korean Leaders Meet in Pyongyang. Retrieved October 2, 2007, from the New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/world/Asia.html


Summary


According to Sang-Hung (2007), in his article, "Korean Leaders Meet in Pyongyang", he explains the two Koreas (North and South) are undertaking a new step for peace negotiations. First, he states that the visit of the South Korean President turned on economic assistance, diplomatic affairs and peace. Moreover, he also writes how the North Korean population has welcomed the South Korean President with honors. Next, he mentions the talks that have to be between the U.S.A., other countries, and South and North Korea during the summit about North Korea's nuclear program, which is supposed to be stopped. Then, he claims that the South Korean President is very determined and concerned about cooperation with North Korea. In the end, he underlines that despite this step for reconciliation, some political actors in Seoul are criticizing the issue.


Reaction


To see this process for peace between these two countries is really interesting; actually there is no way to talk about development without that step. As we know from the past, these two countries could not get along with each other; there were no diplomatical relations between them. but the world goes forward and the realities and mentalities change. In this step of reconciliation, if the two Koreas may hold this opportunity to solidify their cooperation, I hope that in the next day, they might enlarge their political issues; as they start with economics and peace, others would be on the table of their discussion, such as security, culture, defense, and society.


These gestures and concerns manifested by the South Korean president are admirable, because it is very seldom for politicians to tip their hands to their rivals for a sort of discussion, but he did it by leaving from his country to where they had conflicts before without caring about insecurity. but another option shows that this visit has a hidden agenda. so it is not only for peace and economic issues, but political ones too, about North Korean's nuclear program, which has been targeted by most international leaders.


In fact, in my opinion, this issue can be analyzed in two approaches, which are political and diplomatic. In the first approach the affair is more likely to be for peace agreements, economic exchange, and extension of cooperation. But in the second one, I presume that the South Korean President is about to convince his counterpart of the North on cancellation of his nuclear program by being an intermediary for the international community and other countries. In other words, politics and diplomacy usually turn around interest, benefit, and exchange, whatever the circumstances and issues. Nevertheless, what is essential here is to see how these two countries renew their neighborly relations and how North Korean President has reserved a great welcome for his counterpart.