The Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission delivered the Armistice Agreement it had held in its possession for 70 years to Gyeonggi Province.

On July 19, Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim participated in a ceremony at Gallery Greaves in Camp Greaves, Paju City, to receive a copy of the Korean War Armistice Agreement from Major General Ivo Burgener, Head of the Swiss Delegation to the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission (NNSC).

Governor Kim said, “It is a meaningful day for Gyeonggi Province to receive a copy of the Armistice Agreement from the NNSC, especially from the Swiss Delegation… Gyeonggi Province becomes the only institution with the English version of the text and maps. Displaying it to the public will provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn valuable lessons from history.”

He continued, “Through today’s event, we can reflect once again on the tragedies of the war that afflicted us long ago and remember the sacrifices made for freedom and democracy. I hope this becomes a significant moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to a greater peace in the future… As a microcosm of South Korea, Gyeonggi Province will strive to contribute to the path of peace. In the context of inter-Korean relations, we will take the lead in creating a path towards peace centered on strong security.”

Major General Ivo Burgener, Head of the Swiss Delegation to the NNSC, said, “We did not hesitate to provide this copy of the Armistice Agreement document in order to enhance the value of the newly opened exhibition hall (Camp Greaves Exhibition Hall)… I hope it becomes a meaningful gift for everyone who desires peace and stability.”

The Armistice Agreement document received by Gyeonggi Province is a copy made by the NNSC immediately after the signing of the agreement to enable the examination of its content. It consists of the text of the agreement and maps. As South Korea did not participate in the Armistice Agreement signing, the original document is only in the possession of the United States, China, and North Korea. However, the copy has been preserved by the NNSC for an extended period and therefore holds significant historical value.

The Armistice Agreement describes the purpose of the agreement, the military demarcation line and the demilitarized zone, specific measures of the armistice, and actions regarding prisoners of war. It bears the signatures of Kim Il-sung, Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, Peng Dehuai, Commander of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, and General Mark Wayne Clark, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command.

The Swiss Delegation to the NNSC has actively participated in the development of northern Gyeonggi Province, donating various exhibition materials to the Camp Greaves Exhibition Hall. On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the armistice, the delegation offered to lend the Armistice Agreement document to the province.

The event was attended by Miguel La Plante-Perez, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland, Sebastian RÖING, First Secretary in Political Affairs of the Embassy of Sweden, Major Geneneral Persson Herlitz, Head of the Swedish Delegation to the NNSC, and National Assembly Members Park Jeong, Lee Yong-woo, and Hong Jeong-min. Also attending were several members of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly who represent constituencies that include Paju City as well as other members sitting on the Finance Committee, and Paju City Mayor Kim Kyung-il.

Gallery Greaves is an exhibition center situated within Camp Greaves in Paju City. It was originally the site of a U.S. military installation adjacent to the Civilian Control Line, but was remodeled as an exhibition space by Gyeonggi Province and has been open to the public since 2021. The museum features exhibits on military cadets, veterans, and journalists who participated in the Korean War, as well as exhibits on the theme of the Armistice Agreement.

The original copy of the Armistice Agreement will be securely stored at Camp Greaves, while the English version will be displayed at Gallery Greaves. The title of the exhibition is ‘Three Lines,’ which refers to the three lines that separated North and South Korea via the Armistice Agreement: the Military Demarcation Line, the Southern Limit Line, and the Northern Limit Line. It will be open to the public immediately after the event, and can be viewed for free by taking the Imjingak Peace Gondola in Paju City.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice with various events, including the DMZ OPEN Festival, which began with the Peace Walk event on May 20. Through to November, the province will host diverse activities such as performances and exhibitions as well as academic and sports events aimed at promoting the ecological, peaceful, and historical value of the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim and Major General Ivo Burgener, Head of the Swiss Delegation to the NNSC, participate in a ceremony to hand over the Armistice Agreement at Camp Greaves in Imjingak on the afternoon of July 19.