Lee Jae-myung, the president, said, "If we can turn the division expense caused by hostility into growth momentum based on peace, we can convert the 'Korea risk' into a 'Korea premium,'" adding, "Reviving inter-Korean dialogue, which has been suspended for seven years, will be the starting point for a new inter-Korean relationship of peaceful coexistence."
Lee said in a speech at the inaugural meeting of The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC) on Dec. 2 in the afternoon, "Unification is the path that the divided Republic of Korea must eventually take," making these remarks.
Lee emphasized, "Ending war, overcoming division, and establishing complete peace is the way to complete our democracy," and, "The task of our time before us is to end inter-Korean hostility and confrontation and build a new inter-Korean relationship of peaceful coexistence."
He went on to say, "If we can turn the division expense caused by hostility into growth momentum based on peace, we can convert the 'Korea risk' into a 'Korea premium,'" adding, "Peace is the economy, peace is food, peace is people's livelihoods, and peace is practicality itself."
Lee said, "We will build a Korean Peninsula free from the fear of war," and explained, "We will actively and preemptively take the necessary measures to reduce military tensions in areas around the Military Demarcation Line, the front line of confrontation, and to eliminate the possibility of accidental clashes."
He added, "We will continue efforts to end the state of war on the Korean Peninsula, pursue a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, and establish solid peace." Lee asked, "Is it really realistic to attempt nuclear armament while bearing the tremendous various sanctions of the international community as the North does?" and said, "Our nuclear armament also runs counter to the principle of peace on a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula."
Lee emphasized, "Restoring inter-Korean dialogue is a necessary condition for opening the future of peaceful coexistence," adding, "Reviving inter-Korean dialogue, which has been suspended for seven years, will be the starting point for a new inter-Korean relationship of peaceful coexistence."
He said, "To resume candid dialogue, we first propose restoring the inter-Korean liaison channels," adding, "We will also pursue cooperation for 'joint growth' between the South and the North."