Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung proposed restoring communication channels with North Korea on Tuesday, saying it will serve as a starting point for "peaceful coexistence" between Seoul and Pyongyang.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Lee made the remarks during an event to mark the launch of the 22nd Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. He emphasized that unification is a path that must be taken, regardless of the time it may take. Lee stated that the historic task is to end hostility between the two Koreas and build a new relationship based on peaceful existence, suggesting the restoration of dialogue channels suspended for seven years.
Lee affirmed the government's commitment to ending the state of war on the Korean Peninsula, pursuing a nuclear-free region, and establishing lasting peace. He expressed his intention to act as a "pacemaker" to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang. Additionally, Lee mentioned taking active measures to reduce military tensions along the Military Demarcation Line and prevent accidental clashes in border areas.
Highlighting South Korea's military strength and alliance with the United States, Lee pointed out that the country should not remain "trapped in the past" regarding inter-Korean issues. Since taking office in June, the Lee administration has focused on resuming dialogue and reconciliation with North Korea, including suspending loudspeaker broadcasts along the border and urging civic groups to halt anti-Pyongyang leaflet campaigns.
Last month, South Korea proposed military talks with North Korea to discuss the MDL, but there has been no response from Pyongyang so far.