By Lee Hana

President Moon Jae-in, following up on what he said in his speech made earlier on National Liberation Day, on Aug. 19 reaffirmed the importance of building a peace economy on the Korean Peninsula and maintaining trilateral communication among the two Koreas and the U.S. 

In a meeting with his senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae, the president called the creation of the peace economy "the main challenge and opportunity for the future, a task that will help to settle 70 years of confrontation and distrust and change the fate of the Korean Peninsula." 

"It's a difficult task that requires not only the strong will of the two Koreas but cooperation from other countries, but it's something we must accomplish if we are to become a strong and peaceful nation."

He also underscored the significance of trilateral talks among the two Koreas and the U.S., as well as the kind of attitude their leaders should bring to the negotiating table. 

On North Korea's denuclearization, President Moon said, "If this opportunity is lost, we don't know when another will come. Therefore, we should cherish it and handle it like a fragile glass bowl with care."

He also emphasized the need "to step in each another's shoes and approach the issue with wisdom and sincerity," saying all parties involved need to help each other and refrain from acting in ways that would interfere with the goal to establish common ground at the negotiating table. 

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