Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday emphasized the need for bipartisan support in addressing diplomacy and national security issues, cautioning against "self-defeating" behaviors among rival political parties. Lee urged lawmakers to unite in overcoming current crises during a luncheon at Cheong Wa Dae with 21 lawmakers, including representatives from five minor parties and two independents. This marked his first time hosting only minor party and independent lawmakers together at the presidential office.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee highlighted that while political parties may clash over domestic matters, it is uncommon to see such discord in other countries concerning diplomacy and national security. He expressed disappointment over the lingering self-defeating tendencies within South Korea's political landscape, urging politicians to demonstrate unity to tackle crises effectively.

Although Lee refrained from detailing specific issues, his remarks arrive amid ongoing disputes among rival parties over diplomatic matters, including U.S. concerns about a Seoul minister's comments on Kusong as a North Korean uranium enrichment site. President Lee stressed that external situations are dire and cannot be resolved independently, advocating for a public-minded approach and bipartisan cooperation in handling external relations.

The luncheon included representatives from the Rebuilding Korea Party, the Jinbo Party, and the New Reform Party, each with fewer than 20 lawmakers, below the threshold required to establish a parliamentary negotiating group. The presidential office described the event as part of Lee's efforts to promote "inclusive" communication and emphasize bipartisan cooperation in addressing pressing livelihood issues and legislative processes.

This meeting follows a series of engagements President Lee has held with lawmakers, including a dinner with first-term lawmakers last month and a recent luncheon with the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party.