‘We will reopen inter-Korean communication and pave the way for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation,' says Lee Jae-myung
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung said Thursday that he will push for a "mutually beneficial" trade deal with the US and dialogue with North Korea to pave the way for "peace and coexistence" on the Korean Peninsula, local media reported.
Speaking at a news conference marking his first month in office, he said his administration will push for mutually beneficial results from trade negotiations with the US based on "the principles of pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests," Yonhap News Agency reported.
His remarks came as Seoul and Washington continue talks to reduce the 25% reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump ahead of his July 8 deadline.
Lee also said that his administration has taken a first step toward promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula by suspending propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts along the border.
He expressed hope that the reconciliatory move could lay the groundwork for renewed dialogue with Pyongyang.
"Just as North Korea responded to the government's recent preemptive suspension of propaganda broadcasts, a virtuous cycle of peace is possible," he said.
“We will reopen inter-Korean communication and pave the way for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation,” he added.
Lee assumed the presidency last month after he won a snap presidential election triggered by the impeachment and removal from office of the previous president, Yoon Suk Yeol, following Yoon's declaration of martial law last December.
