'365일 소통채널' 남북공동연락사무소 오늘 개소...'또 하나의 역사'

Ahead of that summit, the two Koreas have taken another important step.
Today they opened a liaison office in the North Korean border city of Kaesong, which will enable the two sides to keep in touch, face to face, virtually any time.
It was supposed to open last month, but it was delayed by concerns in the U.S. that it was a step too far.
The hope is that the liaison office will help stabilize inter-Korean relations and boost exchanges.
Our Park Hee-jun reports. A 24-hour, round-the-clock communication channel.
For the first time in the two Koreas' history,... a full-time liaison office has been launched to enhance inter-Korean exchanges.

"The liaison office has opened a new chapter in our history. It's a symbol of peace created by the two Koreas."

"It was achieved by the two Koreas' efforts. We must continue to implement the Panmunjom Declaration,... the goal of the people.

The facility will be supervised by the Vice Minister of South Korea's Unification Ministry, Chun hae-sung,... and his North Korean counterpart Jon Jong Su.
Around 20 officers from each side will reside at the office,... working 9 to 5 shifts during the week, as well as overnight shifts, and weekend duty.

A regular meeting will be held at least once a week to discuss urgent issues relevant to the two Koreas, including joint economic projects.
The office will also support cooperation between civilians,... and enhance information exchanges for businesspeople.
But more importantly,... it can send messages directly to South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

"The reason that we have one, diplomatically speaking,... is before having an embassy or formal representative office in both capitals. So in that sense, it signifies permanence of the improved relations between the two Koreas. So it’s really symbolic in nature, but at the same time,... it shows that politically both countries will have to take into account the inter-Korean relations when it comes to formulating their external policies from now on."

And according to the Unification Ministry,... depending on the level of improvement in relations,... South and North Korea could consider setting up offices in each other's capitals.

"Setting up a liaison office was one of the agreements reached at the April 27 Inter-Korean summit. It will be a significant step in advancing inter-Korean relations,... and establishing peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. Park Hee-jun, Arirang News."