Kyongui railway to be completed in fall next year

President Kim Dae-Jung said Wednesday that construction of the inter-Korean Kyongui railway will begin next month, and finish in the fall of 2001. He also said in the luncheon with 150 Kwangbok-hoe members at Chong Wa Dae, that a ¡°Silk Road¡± connecting Europe and Asia will be opened starting next year.

The president stated that the two Koreas could become a major global player and national power, as long as the people work together to achieve this dream. Regarding his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, President Kim praised Chairman Kim¡¯s high intellect and decision-making skills, adding that the reform-minded chairman has the broadest view of the world among North Korean leaders.