President Lee Jae-myung on the 2nd said that, regarding recent efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to push for U.S.-North Korea talks, "With President Trump's decision, there is at least some possibility of change in the situation on the Korean Peninsula."
Attending the "Peaceful coexistence policy dialogue of the Americas regional meeting of The Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC)" held that afternoon at Inspire Resort in Incheon, Lee said, "We must create the conditions for constructive discussions to build trust between the United States and North Korea and to resume dialogue."
He especially stressed that the government's independent efforts for peace on the Korean Peninsula are important.
Lee said, "Peace on the Korean Peninsula is not our business alone. In the near term, it is about security in Northeast Asia; in the longer term, it is a core task for world peace," adding, "As a direct party responsible for this heavy task, we will fulfill our duty by regaining wartime operational control."
He also cited a line from a novel about Mexican immigration ("Here and now, we bear the responsibility of that fate") and said, "The protagonists and stakeholders of peace on the Korean Peninsula are exactly us. When we judge for ourselves and act, our words carry weight."
He added that efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue should also be made.
Lee said, "The clock of inter-Korean dialogue has been stopped for seven years. The wall has grown higher and no path is visible, but we must still walk," adding, "When we walk ahead, it becomes a path. That is precisely our generation's responsibility and mission."
He emphasized, "The South and the North, who should be closest, still have exchanges cut off, and we are wasting the strength that should be used to move forward together by confronting and opposing each other," adding, "But do not rush, and be sure to set the destination clearly before moving."
Lee again emphasized the "three blueprints for peaceful coexistence" mentioned in last month's Liberation Day address, and urged an active role, saying, "Peace begins with respecting differences. The experiences of Korean compatriots in the Americas who live alongside different peoples will help."
The three blueprints for peaceful coexistence are: ▲ inclusive peaceful coexistence that respects each other ▲ stable peaceful coexistence with no need to fight ▲ responsible peaceful coexistence that contributes to world peace.