Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung announced his commitment to facilitating the swift resumption of bilateral talks between North Korea and the United States while also laying the groundwork for renewed inter-Korean dialogue. In a nationally televised press conference, Lee positioned South Korea as a pacemaker, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic efforts in ensuring these critical discussions take place.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that while tensions may not dissipate immediately, consistent and feasible measures will be pursued to elicit a positive response from North Korea. He stressed the importance of reducing tensions on the Korean Peninsula as a priority.

Furthermore, President Lee expressed his intent to reinstate the Sept. 19 military agreement initially signed in 2018, which was fully suspended in 2024 due to increasing hostilities between Seoul and Pyongyang. Lee highlighted that reviving this pact is crucial to preventing accidental clashes and fostering political and military trust between the two Koreas.

In reinforcing his dedication to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, Lee emphasized the significance of South Korea's alliance with the U.S., coupled with strong self-reliant defense capabilities and pragmatic diplomacy that prioritizes national interests. Despite his offers to resume dialogue with North Korea, Lee's peace overtures have been met with resistance, as tensions persist following accusations from the North regarding the South's alleged drone incursions and demands for an apology from Seoul.