President Lee Jae-myung evaluated U.S. President Donald Trump's move to push for North Korea-U.S. dialogue, emphasizing, "We must create the conditions for constructive discussions to build trust and resume dialogue between North Korea and the United States."

Attending the "Peace and Coexistence Policy Dialogue" of the National Unification Advisory Council's (NUAC) Americas region held at the Inspire Resort in Incheon today (September 2), President Lee made the remarks, stating, "President Trump's decision has created a slight possibility of change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula."

This aligns with his consistent emphasis on the roles of a "peacemaker" and "pacemaker" expressed during the South Korea-U.S. summits and other occasions, while also stressing the importance of South Korea's independent efforts.

President Lee stated, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula is not just our own affair. It is a core task for the security of Northeast Asia in the near term and world peace in the long term," adding, "As a direct party to this weighty task, we will fulfill that responsibility through the wartime operational control transfer."

Regarding inter-Korean relations, he added, "The clock of inter-Korean dialogue has been stopped for seven years. The walls have grown higher and the path is not visible, but we must still walk it." He continued, "If we walk ahead, it becomes a path. That is the responsibility and mission of our generation."

President Lee pointed out, "The South and the North, which should be closest to each other, remain severed, and the strength that should be used to move forward together is being wasted on opposing and confronting each other.

This is truly a regrettable misfortune and a grim reality that must be changed."

He went on to emphasize, "A wall built over 80 years will not crumble just by waiting. That is why we must move."

President Lee noted, "However, we must not rush, and we must move with a clear destination in mind. I mentioned the 'Three Blueprints for Peaceful Coexistence' in my Liberation Day congratulatory speech a short time ago. Now that we have set the milestone, it is time to move forward."

The "Three Blueprints for Peaceful Coexistence" refer to: ▲ Inclusive peaceful coexistence that respects each other; ▲ Stable peaceful coexistence where there is no need to fight; and ▲ Responsible peaceful coexistence that contributes to world peace.

Particularly regarding "inclusive peaceful coexistence," President Lee asked for an active role, saying, "Peace begins with respecting differences. The experiences of our compatriots in the Americas region, who live together with different ethnicities, will be helpful."

In addition, President Lee said, "We must transform the armistice system, which is premised on confrontation and conflict, into a peace system based on cooperation and prosperity, ensuring that tensions driven by domestic political changes or fluctuations in the international situation are not repeated."

This means that for stable and responsible peaceful coexistence, peace must be anchored in a structural foundation.

(Photo: Yonhap News)