Johannesburg: President Lee Jae Myung stated that reunification with North Korea remains South Korea's ultimate goal and constitutional duty, emphasizing a path of dialogue rather than unilateral action.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee, who is attending the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg, shared his thoughts in an interview with Turkey's Anadolu Agency. This interview was published ahead of his upcoming state visit to Ankara. Lee reiterated that reunification is not just an ideal but a constitutional obligation, and it should be approached gradually through peaceful coexistence and mutual development.
Since assuming office in June, Lee has consistently advocated for resuming talks with North Korea, highlighting respect for the North's political system and rejecting reunification by absorption. He stressed that reopening communication channels with Pyongyang is his administration's top priority and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue through any available means.
Lee also mentioned ongoing coordination with Washington, seeking U.S. President Donald Trump's involvement as a peacemaker and supporting renewed U.S.-North Korea dialogue. Addressing nuclear concerns, Lee reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and emphasized strengthening deterrence with the United States against North Korean threats.
In light of the U.S.-China rivalry, Lee highlighted the importance of maintaining stable relations with China and warned against escalating an arms race in Northeast Asia. He also discussed enhancing South Korea's strategic partnership with Turkey, emphasizing cooperation in defense and nuclear energy industries. Lee pointed to the Altay main battle tank program as an example of successful bilateral defense collaboration and expressed hope for further joint projects and technology partnerships.
Discussions are also underway for Korean involvement in Turkey's planned Sinop nuclear power plant and collaboration on small modular reactors, reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations.