"Following the Moon Administration, a More Independent and Proactive Mediator and Problem Solver Role Needed"
"I Am a Pragmatist... Not Only in Politics but Also in Diplomacy, Defense, and Economy"
Upholding a 'National Interest-Centered Pragmatic' Diplomatic Approach
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 25th regarding the North Korean nuclear issue, "I will bring a solution of conditional sanctions relief and phased simultaneous actions, and directly meet with U.S. President Joe Biden and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to resolve the issue."
Candidate Lee said at a foreign press club discussion held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon, "We will enhance the Korean government's leadership in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue."
Candidate Lee emphasized, "The next government should play a more proactive and independent role as a mediator and problem solver following the Moon Jae-in administration," and "A new approach is needed in inter-Korean policy and inter-Korean relations."
He said, "The competition of ideology and system has neither meaning nor practical benefit," and added, "The Lee Jae-myung administration will create a practical relationship that helps inter-Korean economic development and the livelihoods of people on both sides."
He also stated, "We will respond firmly to unilateral violations and cancellations of inter-Korean agreements and speak out when necessary."
Candidate Lee said, "Inter-Korean development is possible when based on trust," and "Only when thorough compliance and implementation of inter-Korean agreements are guaranteed can we talk about development in trust."
On this day, Candidate Lee introduced himself as a 'pragmatist.' He explained, "I believe there is no reason to be bound by dichotomous thinking of conservative or progressive if it can improve the lives of the people," and "This applies not only to domestic politics but also to diplomacy, defense, and the economy."
Candidate Lee stated, "My firm position is to uphold a 'national interest-centered pragmatism' diplomatic line," and besides North Korea policy and inter-Korean relations, he proposed ▲strengthening economic diplomacy ▲advancing the ROK-U.S. alliance and future-oriented ROK-China relations ▲improving ROK-Japan relations.
He said, "In this era of great transformation, establishing a peace economy system on the Korean Peninsula and promoting national interest-centered pragmatic diplomacy that contributes to the people's lives is by no means easy," and "The president's leadership is more important than ever. I believe only a leader equipped with a clear philosophy and vision, bold decisiveness, and courageous execution can turn crises into opportunities."
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