S. Korea’s Lee Reaffirms Commitment to Support US-N. Korea Talks

(MENAFN) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday doubled down on his pledge to vigorously back potential negotiations between North Korea and the US this year, aiming to breathe life into dormant diplomatic efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

During his New Year's address, President Lee announced his government would actively facilitate dialogue restoration between Washington and Pyongyang while simultaneously pursuing inter-Korean reconciliation, media reported.

Lee referenced last year's summit discussions with US President Donald Trump, who signaled openness to re-engaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un—an initiative Lee has publicly endorsed.

Despite Pyongyang's current unwillingness to participate, he underscored diplomacy's critical role and revealed his administration is implementing strategies to diminish military friction.

"We will replace unstable growth constrained by the threat of war with stable growth supported by peace," he stated, continuing: "Steadfast peace is synonymous with growth, and robust security is the driving force behind prosperity."

Last month, Lee reinforced his appeal for North Korea to reopen communication lines, declaring: "The historic task given to us is to end hostility and confrontation between the two Koreas and to build a new inter-Korean relationship based on peaceful existence."

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