South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday vowed to continue efforts to normalize relations with North Korea despite Pyongyang's rejection of his offer of dialogue, saying the two Koreas must move beyond past confrontation and pursue peace and stability.
President Lee's reaffirmation of his commitment came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rejected dialogue with Seoul, describing South Korea's offer as a trick while seemingly opening the door to talks with Washington as he wrapped up North Korea's key party congress a day earlier.
"We must pursue values such as peace and stability," President Lee said in a meeting with senior aides at Cheong Wa Dae, reported The Korea Times (27/2).
"We must resolutely put an end to the past that led to confrontation and war," he said.
Furthermore, he also called for a thoughtful reflection on past approaches that have fueled tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
"We need to seriously consider whether past acts of insults or threats against North Korea have really contributed to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula or served the interests and security of the Republic of Korea," he said.
To normalize inter-Korean relations, President Lee underlined the need for continued efforts to ease the long-standing hostilities and build trust with Pyongyang.
"I believe that lasting peace and stability can ultimately be realized on the Korean Peninsula by consistently communicating, engaging in dialogue, and striving to cooperate, and gradually building trust and mutual understanding," he said.
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