President Moon Jae-in, who is making a state visit to Finland, met with former Finnish President Tarja Halonen, former minister Jaakko Iloniemi and Chairman of the Finnish Red Cross Pertti Torstila. They exchanged ideas on the Helsinki Process and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula.

President Moon said, “Complete denuclearization of North Korea and the peace process on the Korean Peninsula began with the PyeongChang Winter Olympics last year.” He went on to explain how that milestone had led to three inter-Korean summits and the historic first and second summits between North Korea and the United States, adding that both of those leaders remain committed to dialogue. 

Recalling the days when the Helsinki Process was underway, the former Finnish minister said that what mattered the most was whether countries shared a willingness to participate and common goals. The former minister added that, even though different tactics could come up during the negotiations, a process of building trust through steady negotiations is necessary when a common objective exists. 

Chairman Torstila of the Finnish Red Cross said that security is safeguarded not by guns or swords but by cooperation and coordination, referring to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics as an exemplary case. He emphasized the importance of people-to-people exchanges, noting that they can bring about genuine peace. 

President Moon said the Helsinki Process was gradually achieved through a constant trust-building process over a long period extending 15 years, stressing the significance of maintaining dialogue to attain peace. 

President Moon said, “The Korean Peninsula peace process aims to dissolve the last remnant of the Cold War. It is a difficult task but is something that must be done without fail.” The President went on to say, “Peace on the Korean Peninsula means peace in Northeast Asia and, moreover, world peace. We will surely succeed and do all we can to this end.” He asked for continued support until the task is complete.

Chairman Torstila displayed the briefcase he used while working on the Helsinki Process and said that he wanted to share the spirit of success. President Moon expressed his desire to receive the spirit and touched the briefcase.