Moon's remarks came about a week after his special envoys held monumental talks with the reclusive North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, while traveling to Pyongyang. In the meeting held last Monday, the North Korean leader agreed to hold what would be a third inter-Korean summit late next month.

Kim also told the South Korean envoys that he wished to hold talks with US President Donald Trump.

Kim's message was earlier delivered to Trump by Moon's chief envoy and top security adviser, Chung Eui-yong. Trump said he will meet the North Korean leader by May.

Moon urged bipartisan efforts for the upcoming dialogue with North Korea, calling it a must-not-miss opportunity for the entire nation and the world.

"Now the world is paying attention to our ability. The fate of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Peninsula depends on whether we successfully seize this opportunity," the president said, according to Cheong Wa Dae pool reports.

"This is too important an opportunity to miss, not just for a government but also for the nation of the Republic of Korea," he added.

The president also noted the opportunity may still bear no fruit even with the country's best efforts.

"What we hope to achieve in such a short period of time of about two months is a great transition that the world has failed to realize so far. And that is why we may not be optimistic about the outcome and must remain careful in the process," he said.

"Only the people's support will be our strength that will lead us to success while overcoming unpredictable external factors. I sincerely ask our people, ruling and opposition parties and conservatives and liberals to overcome their differences and join all their strength as one, so the upcoming talks will be successful." (Yonhap)