Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday proposed that the two Koreas begin talks on ending their long-running war and discuss practical ways to halt the advancement of Pyongyang's nuclear program, pledging to seek a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Lee made the proposal in his speech at a ceremony marking the 81st Liberation Day, which commemorates Korea's liberation from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the need for direct discussions between the Koreas, stating, "Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties." He suggested that these discussions could also address effective methods to stop the advancement of North Korea's nuclear capabilities.
The Korean Peninsula has technically remained in a state of war since the 1950-53 Korean War concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty. Lee expressed his determination to replace the "unstable armistice system" with a peace regime.
Despite North Korea's unresponsiveness to Seoul's previous reconciliatory gestures since Lee took office in June last year, his administration has consistently pursued dialogue for peaceful coexistence. In his Liberation Day speech last year, Lee committed to respecting North Korea's current system and avoiding any actions aimed at unification by absorption or hostility.
Reiterating his message, Lee urged both Koreas to respect each other and reduce unnecessary confrontations, starting by "reducing hostility in the perceptions, norms, and systems." He expressed hope for face-to-face discussions between South and North Korea for peaceful coexistence and mutual growth.
Lee highlighted the importance of a "multilayered security system" to manage tensions and prevent crises, pledging to take "preemptive and consistent measures for peace" in alignment with the security situation around the peninsula. He stressed that achieving peace on the peninsula could foster stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia and contribute to a nuclear-free world.
Additionally, Lee addressed South Korea-Japan relations, praising the active "shuttle diplomacy" over the past year, which has enhanced trust and expanded cooperation in supply chains, energy, and advanced technologies. He expressed a desire to broaden cooperation with Japan for mutual interests and tackle shared challenges.
Lee also outlined his vision for South Korea as a leader in advanced technologies, advocating for a nation that the world needs and desires to cooperate with. He pledged support for young people, including building opportunities and addressing injustices related to Japan's colonial rule.
The ceremony in Seoul was attended by around 3,000 participants, including patriots, families of independence fighters, government and party officials, foreign ambassadors, and citizens.