Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced Thursday his commitment to pursuing diplomacy centered on national interests ahead of crucial summit meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee made these remarks during a meeting with senior aides as he prepared to leave for Tokyo for discussions with Prime Minister Ishiba. Following the Tokyo summit, Lee is scheduled to travel to Washington for talks with President Trump on August 25.
"In diplomacy, I think we must prioritize the lasting interests of the nation and all Korean people, rather than my personal position or the temporary standing of the current administration," Lee stated at the meeting, as informed by the presidential office.
In light of the evolving international order and trade environment, Lee assured that he would strive to implement a diplomatic and security policy that is "mutually beneficial," with national interests taking precedence. He further expressed his intent to continue seeking practical solutions for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, urging the public for their support.
In addition to his diplomatic agenda, Lee addressed domestic issues by calling for measures to decrease the nation's suicide rates, which are currently the highest among OECD member countries. He emphasized that the issue of suicide is too critical to be overlooked and called for a fundamental shift in policy, treating suicide as a social crisis.
Lee also tasked the establishment of an intergovernmental body focused on drastically reducing suicide rates and creating comprehensive suicide prevention and mental health support initiatives.