Key facts
- President Lee Jae Myung respects U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea.
- Trump ordered the Pentagon to 'substantially reduce' joint military exercises, citing their hostile signal to North Korea.
- Lee views Trump's decision as an effort to create conditions for dialogue and establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.
- Lee pledged to support Trump's 'peacemaker' efforts.
- Lee addressed concerns about South Korea's role in international efforts regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has stated his respect for U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to scale back joint military exercises with Seoul, viewing it as a significant step towards fostering dialogue with North Korea.
In a social media post, Lee conveyed that Trump's directive to "substantially reduce" the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise reflects a serious commitment to creating peace beyond confrontation on the Korean Peninsula. He expressed a shared belief in peace regimes and a commitment to creating conditions for dialogue, even if it involves reducing combined exercises and field training.