I praise and welcome the decision by North Korea to transparently disclose to the international community the dismantlement of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, along with the recent release of American detainees. There are three meaningful aspects to the test site decision:

First, it holds high significance as an early first step in beginning the complete denuclearization of the North.

Second, the move can be regarded as positive in that North Korea is making earnest efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming North Korea-U.S. summit. 

Third, it deserves a positive evaluation in that Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un is faithfully carrying out the pledges he made to me during the inter-Korean summit one by one, following the shift of the North's clocks to align with Seoul Standard Time.

As everyone has seen, preparations for the North Korea-U.S. summit (which has the goal of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula) are proceeding well between the two countries. Our Administration is also making every effort to help in this regard. The whole world is hoping for the success of the summit. It will determine the future of the Korean Peninsula and the Republic of Korea more than anywhere else in the world. This is something that goes beyond who has an advantage or disadvantage in local elections. I sincerely hope that our politicians will demonstrate a united front to the people on this issue.