Gyeongju: President Lee Jae Myung announced that South Korea will maintain its strategy of taking preemptive measures to reduce military tensions and build trust with North Korea, aiming to foster peace on the Korean Peninsula. Lee made this declaration during the closing ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee highlighted the challenges posed by military confrontation, tension, and nuclear issues, which have not only impacted the Korean Peninsula but also the broader Asia-Pacific region. He emphasized South Korea's commitment to peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity, advocating for the resolution of issues through dialogue.
Lee revealed that South Korea has already initiated steps to ease military tensions and restore trust between the two Koreas, and he pledged to implement even more proactive measures to further advance peace. He stressed the importance of peace as a foundation for a sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific region and called for the support of APEC members in Seoul's peace-promoting efforts.
During the ceremony, Lee also formally transferred the APEC chairmanship to Chinese President Xi Jinping, as China is set to host the next summit in Shenzhen.