Just wrapped up a fascinating first visit to Pyongyang at the invitation of DPRK FM Ri Yong Ho. I deeply appreciate the warm hospitality extended by the hosts to me and my delegation. I had open, friendly and candid exchanges with President of the Presidium Kim Yong Nam and FM Ri.
There is no substitute for experiencing a place firsthand. I was very impressed by what I saw on my trip to Pyongyang. It is clean, modern, and beautiful with clear evidence of ongoing construction ...around the city. There are many high-rise buildings and modern designs. The streets of Pyongyang are also well-maintained and lined with greenery. It is clear that the government has been hard at work to upgrade the city infrastructure.
Admirable that the DPRK has overcome the challenges and obstacles that it has faced over the last decades to achieve this level of development. This could only have been possible through the sheer determination, self-reliance, strength of spirit, and resilience of the DPRK people.
Imagine how much more the DPRK could achieve in times of peace, and with greater exchanges with the world. We look forward to the US-DPRK Summit on 12 June, and hope it will be another step towards achieving lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula and the world.
