President Lee Expresses Regret Over Foreign, Security Issues Becoming Targets of Political Strife

President Lee Jae-myung pointed out that the political circle is turning foreign policy and national security issues into targets of political conflict.

Presiding over the policy briefing for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Unification, and Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs at the Blue House this morning (the 5th), President Lee said, "In most developed countries, foreign and security policies are not made subjects of political strife, but unfortunately, our most crucial foreign and security issues become targets of political conflict."

He added, "Peace and stability are the foundation of everything and can never be emphasized enough."

"However, because they are so vital, they often become subjects of political debate," he remarked.

He continued, "We each have our own ideologies and values. However, it is not easy to force them onto others," and criticized, "Attempting to suppress others' ideologies and push through my own values inevitably leads to confrontation and conflict."

President Lee explained, "Making loud claims, pointing fingers, or pressuring opponents may temporarily realize my values and aspirations, but it inevitably provokes backlash," adding, "The way to realize my ideology is to persuade the opponent as much as possible, make concessions, and have them accept it."

President Lee also called on the government and the ruling party to play a role in reducing unnecessary political debates in the fields of foreign affairs and national security.

In particular, President Lee emphasized the role of the ruling power, including the government and the ruling party, in mitigating political disputes in the diplomatic and security sectors during this process.

President Lee stated, "From a position of bearing responsibility for the fate of the entire social community, action is more important than mere claims. That path is different from when one is in the opposition," and noted, "The more authority you have commensurate with your responsibility, the more important it is to take responsibility through actions rather than raising your voice, and through results rather than arguments."

(Photo courtesy of the Blue House Press Corps, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.