Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung reaffirmed his commitment to supporting potential talks between North Korea and the United States this year, in an effort to revive stalled diplomacy on the Korean Peninsula.
In his New Year’s address, Lee said his administration would work to facilitate renewed dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang, while continuing initiatives to improve inter-Korean relations, according to Yonhap News.
He recalled summit discussions held last year with US President Donald Trump, who expressed hope for renewed engagement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un—an approach Lee publicly endorsed.
Despite North Korea’s current refusal to return to negotiations, Lee stressed the importance of diplomacy and said his government is pursuing measures to ease military tensions on the peninsula.
“We will replace unstable growth constrained by the threat of war with stable growth supported by peace,” Lee said, adding that “lasting peace is synonymous with growth, and strong security is the driving force behind prosperity.”
Last month, Lee also renewed his call for North Korea to restore communication channels, saying the historic task facing both Koreas is to end hostility and confrontation and build a new relationship based on peaceful coexistence.
