Showing the way

That the leaders of the two Koreas met for the first time on Friday is a historic event. Mr. Moon should take this forward and let no outside force (the U.S. and its allies) influence or break this initiative. Likewise, Mr. Kim should keep China’s influence at bay and kickstart candid talks with South Korea. Finally, if U.S. President Barack Obama who ordered a military build-up in Afghanistan could be awarded the Peace Nobel, Oslo should consider one for the Korean leaders (‘World’ page – “Things going well: Trump on Korea”, April 29).

T. Anand Raj,

Chennai

The week gone by seems to be a happy one for peace. The pledges made to uphold global peace by the leaders of the Koreas, and separately, of India and China, are heart-warming. It is encouraging that the U.S. President has also responded positively to what the North Korean leader has said after deepening worries about a global conflict. These developments, which are sudden in nature, should pave the way for much needed peace and prosperity across the world. That the leaders were able to overcome the poisonous atmosphere and try and shed the bitterness marks a new beginning for world peace and prosperity.

J.P. Reddy,

Nalgonda, Telangana

The Korean accord should inspire other countries to resolve their long-standing disputes. Mutual dialogue by adopting a give-and-take approach can always work wonders without even a bullet being fired. World leaders must always remember what John F. Kennedy said at the UN General Assembly in 1961: “Mankind must put an end to war or war will put an end to mankind.”

Kshirasagara Balaji Rao,

Hyderabad

The recent Asian summits mark the beginning of a new era in contemporary world politics. The two Koreas heading towards a long-pending peace treaty on the one hand and signs of a thaw in India-China ties on the other are welcome. With the sworn enemies of east Asia reaching out to each other and the big Asian rivals trying to patch up their differences, one of the world’s most important regions has hope for a better future. Balanced development, security and stability have for long been the major issues in Asia and the two events have the potential to become a positive development. Such milestones give reasons for the advocates of peace to keep pursuing the dream of a better world. Conflicts in West Asia remain another important and unresolved issue along with Afghanistan and the Rohingya crisis.

Vyom Bharadvaj,

Mohali, Punjab