    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 15 (Monday, April 17, 2000)]
    [Page 786]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Announcement of a Summit Meeting Between South Korea
    and North Korea

    April 10, 2000

        I welcome the announcement that the Republic of Korea and the
    Democratic People's Republic of Korea will hold a historic first summit
    in June. Direct dialog between the two Koreas is something we have long
    advocated and is fundamental to solving the problems of the Korean
    Peninsula. This announcement is testimony to the wisdom and long-term
    vision of President Kim Dae-jung's engagement policy. I congratulate
    both leaders on their decision to meet.