Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung highlighted the critical need for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
- He linked maintaining peace to supporting the national economy.
- Lee expressed concern over security and diplomatic issues becoming partisan political tools.
- He directed the unification ministry to continue policies promoting peace and coexistence with North Korea.
- Lee acknowledged Pyongyang's continued lack of response to Seoul's engagement efforts.
Amidst a volatile global order, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung underscored the paramount importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, asserting that these conditions are vital for economic prosperity. Lee stated that peace is equivalent to 'food' and 'the economy,' suggesting that stability directly supports national economic health.
Lee expressed regret over the politicization of security and diplomatic matters within South Korea, pledging to focus on delivering tangible results through decisive action rather than engaging in public disputes. He also directed the unification ministry to persist with the government's policy of promoting peace and coexistence with North Korea, despite Pyongyang's ongoing unresponsiveness to Seoul's engagement initiatives.
"It must feel like a cry that goes unanswered," Lee remarked regarding North Korea's silence, acknowledging the difficulty in improving relations after prolonged confrontation. Nevertheless, he insisted that the policy of pursuing peace and coexistence must continue.