Kim Jong-un Thanks South Korean president in Letter

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has exchanged letters with outgoing South Korean President Moon Jae-in, state media reported.

In those letters, Kim thanked Moon for his efforts to improve relations between the two countries.

The news comes at a remarkable time. Tensions between the two Koreas are rising after the North has already conducted at least 12 weapons tests this year. In addition, experts warn of renewed activity at key nuclear weapons sites.

On Thursday, it was announced that the European Union is imposing sanctions on eight individuals and four organizations involved in North Korea’s nuclear program.

Moon will be succeeded in a few weeks by Yoon Suk-yeol, who has announced that he will take a much tougher line against North Korea and Kim.

Moon met Kim three times and mediated between him and former US President Donald Trump. However, negotiations between Trump and Kim came to an abrupt end in 2019 when the two could not agree on easing sanctions against North Korea and what the country would give up in return.