Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday called on North Korea to return to the negotiating table with the United States and contribute to shaping a "new future." He pledged to actively engage with Washington and neighboring countries in his first address marking the March 1 Independence Movement at the COEX exhibition center in southern Seoul, commemorating the 107th anniversary of the 1919 independence movement against Japan's occupation of Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee expressed hope that North Korea, which is currently implementing a new five-year plan, would rejoin discussions and collaborate on creating a new future, emphasizing that "hostility and confrontation serve neither side's interests." He positioned his administration as a "pacemaker," committed to facilitating dialogue between North Korea and the United States in coordination with regional partners.

Lee assured that his government respects North Korea's system and will not seek unification by absorption or engage in hostile acts. While North Korea has rejected dialogue with Seoul, it has shown openness to talks with Washington, especially after unveiling its five-year plans at a recent party congress.

In his speech, Lee also urged for enhanced cooperation between South Korea and Japan, focusing on peace and joint prosperity while acknowledging historical issues. He advocated for pragmatic diplomacy to confront past challenges and foster future collaboration.

Lee reiterated his commitment to a "two-track" diplomatic strategy with Japan, which involves building future-oriented partnerships while addressing unresolved historical issues from Japan's colonial rule over Korea.

Highlighting the significance of Northeast Asian harmony, Lee called for deeper trilateral cooperation among Korea, China, and Japan. He emphasized the importance of these nations finding common ground and cooperating, as he concluded his visits to China and Japan earlier this year, where he engaged in discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

Lee vowed to continue efforts to promote harmony and prosperity in line with the aspirations of past generations who sought peace in Northeast Asia as a pathway to global peace.