Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced plans to enhance relations with North Korea by collaborating with the United States, acknowledging current challenges in establishing dialogue with Pyongyang.
According to Yonhap News Agency, during a press conference marking his first month in office, Lee highlighted the necessity of maintaining open communication and cooperation with North Korea. "We should improve relations with North Korea based on fixed coordination with the United States," Lee stated, emphasizing that cutting off dialogue entirely would be unwise. Despite the persistent hostility and distrust, Lee expressed optimism that the recent halt of anti-North Korea loudspeaker broadcasts near the border might pave the way for renewed communication.
Lee shared, "When we decided to suspend the loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea, I was concerned about how quickly -- or even whether -- they would respond. But (the North's) response was very swift and exceeded expectations."
Addressing potential changes to the Ministry of Unification's name, Lee suggested that it might help alleviate North Korea's concerns of being absorbed by the South. He reaffirmed, "As our Constitution states, we pursue peaceful unification. This is not about absorption. Who would willingly accept being absorbed?"
On the subject of Japan, Lee committed to a dual approach that separates historical issues from future security and economic cooperation. "Both nations are exposed to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and they share a special alliance with the U.S.," he noted, highlighting the shared strategic and economic interests between the nations.
Lee also mentioned his intention to visit Japan soon, although a specific date has not been set due to Japan's upcoming upper house election on July 20.