South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called on North Korea to begin talks for concluding a permanent peace agreement instead of a temporary ceasefire arrangement. He made this initiative on August 15 during a speech dedicated to the anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese rule, Reuters reports .
The head of South Korea stated that the two Korean states should seek ways to peaceful coexistence through direct dialogue. In his opinion, it is time to transition from the armistice that has been in effect since the Korean War of 1950-1953 to a full-fledged peace agreement. Since that war ended only with a ceasefire agreement, it has formally continued for more than 70 years.
Lee Jae-myung also proposed to discuss measures to limit North Korea's nuclear potential during potential talks. According to him, Seoul is ready to gradually and consistently de-escalate tensions, create a multi-layered security system, and prevent escalation of the conflict on the peninsula.
This call continues the position the politician articulated last year: he advocates for respect for North Korea's political system and believes that the countries can coexist without hostility.
However, relations between Seoul and Pyongyang remain very tense. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un abandoned the previous policy of reunification, declared South Korea the main adversary, and ordered to strengthen border defenses. Furthermore, Pyongyang has already rejected Lee Jae-myung's proposals for dialogue, criticized Seoul's plans to create nuclear submarines, and called joint US-South Korean exercises a provocation.
In his speech, the South Korean president also touched upon relations with Japan. He noted that historical events should not be forgotten, but it is necessary to look to the future. Lee Jae-myung expressed hope that the two countries will be able to open a new phase of cooperation and build the next 60 years of peace and prosperity as close neighbors.
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