National Security Office Director Wi Sung-lac stated regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks—where he ordered a reduction in the scale of South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises and mentioned having a "good relationship" with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un—that he "hopes this message will lead to meaningful U.S.-North Korea dialogue built upon the friendly relations between the leaders of the two countries."

Meeting with reporters on this day, Director Wi made the remarks and added, "We hope this will bring about substantive progress toward peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we expect discussions toward that end to resume."

This is interpreted as Cheong Wa Dae's perspective that, separate from concerns raised that the sudden scaling back of drills could destabilize defense readiness, this trend could also culminate in dialogue between the leaders of the U.S. and North Korea.

Director Wi explained, "Our government has maintained a consistent stance on this issue," adding, "Our position is to play the role of a 'pacemaker' through necessary diplomatic efforts based on close South Korea-U.S. coordination regarding dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea."

He further noted, "In line with this position, we have held extensive consultations with President Trump at the summit level on various occasions, particularly during the G7 (Group of Seven) and NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summits."

At the same time, Director Wi emphasized that efforts will be made to ensure there is no wavering in the coordination between South Korea and the United States.

Director Wi stated, "While strengthening our self-reliant capabilities to ensure robust security, our government has continuously coordinated with the U.S. side regarding joint exercises and training based on a solid South Korea-U.S. alliance," and added, "We will continue this coordination moving forward."

Meanwhile, remarks also followed regarding President Trump's disclosure that he had asked South Korean President Lee Jae-myung if he was willing to join efforts for Iran's denuclearization, to which he received the response, "No thanks!"

Director Wi explained, "Regarding the war in Iran and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, we have actively engaged in discussions with the international community, including the United States, from the very beginning," adding, "We have reviewed practical military contribution measures that we can take while considering our defense readiness posture on the Korean Peninsula and domestic legal procedures."

He went on to emphasize, "We have a sharper interest in the international issue of nuclear nonproliferation than anyone else, because North Korea violated its nonproliferation commitments and attempted to arm itself with nuclear weapons," noting, "In the same context, we also hold a deep interest in Iran's denuclearization issue and are working together with the international community."

Director Wi promised, "Our government will continue to maintain this stance and cooperate with the international community, including the U.S. side, going forward."

(Photo: Cheong Wa Dae Press Corps, Yonhap News)