"Differences Between Nations Inevitable... Subservient Attitudes Must Be Avoided"

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung said today (October 13) that differences between nations are bound to exist and that their existence cannot be taken issue with in itself. He also emphasized that national interest is paramount, stressing that subservient or flunkeyish attitudes must be avoided.

Kang Cheong-wan reports.

[Reporter]

Presiding over a cabinet meeting today, President Lee Jae-myung stated that the guiding principle of South Korea's diplomacy is "pragmatic diplomacy based on national interest," bringing up "avoiding subservience and flunkeyism" as a key topic.

[President Lee Jae-myung: The most important thing is the national interest of the Republic of Korea. In relations between nations, we must avoid a subservient or flunkeyish attitude.]

Appearing mindful of recent controversies surrounding South Korea-U.S. relations in particular, President Lee mentioned that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is a vital diplomatic axis that must continue to be upgraded, emphasizing this point:

[President Lee Jae-myung: Differences between nations are bound to exist. However, the mere existence of differences cannot be treated as a problem. As each pursues its own national interest, how could they always align?]

He added that when differences arise between nations, it is important to coordinate and resolve the issues properly out of affection for our country and government.

President Lee also remarked that managing relations with neighboring major powers is just as important as the South Korea-U.S. alliance, calling for good cooperation with Russia regarding navigation along the Arctic route.

[President Lee Jae-myung: You conduct diplomacy even during wartime, right?]

[Cho Hyun / Minister of Foreign Affairs: That is correct.]

[President Lee Jae-myung: You also conduct diplomacy with enemy nations, right? Originally. That is the principle of diplomacy, isn't it? There are no permanent enemies, nor permanent allies.]

Following the cabinet meeting, President Lee visited Busan to attend a welcoming ceremony for the return of the Panstar Acro, which recently completed a trial run along the Arctic route.

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo and Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Lee Seunghee)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.