Lee Jae-myung "We Must Learn from the Trump Administration... Korea Also Needs Practical Diplomacy Now"

Democratic Party Supreme Council Meeting on the 17th
Lee: "Trump Negotiated Regardless of Alliance or Hostile Relations"
Welcomes Government's Response to 'Pioneering the Arctic Route'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized that "practical diplomacy to protect national interests and peace is urgently needed while maintaining a strong Korea-US alliance and security cooperation," stating that there are lessons to be learned from the Trump administration.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 17th. 2025.2.17 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

On the 17th, Lee said at the Democratic Party's Supreme Council meeting, "As everyone can see, the second Trump administration did not hesitate to wage a tariff war against allied countries for national interests, nor did it hesitate to engage in dialogue and negotiations with hostile nations," adding, "We should learn from this."

Lee stated, "President Trump expressed his desire to resume talks on nuclear and arms reduction with Russia and China, and also conveyed his willingness for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine," and added, "I hope that President Trump, who led the historic first-ever North Korea-US summit, will create a new historical turning point of peaceful competition."

He also expressed welcome for the government's response to the pioneering of the Arctic route. Lee said, "Last week, during the government questioning session, Cho Ki-gu, a Democratic Party lawmaker who emphasized the Arctic route and northern diplomacy, received a full agreement from Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok," and added, "On the 13th, Busan City established a dedicated organization for pioneering the Arctic route and held its first policy meeting, which is very welcome."

He continued, "There is no distinction between ruling and opposition parties when it comes to balanced development of the Republic of Korea," and added, "We will prepare short- and long-term legislative policy proposals centered on the Policy Committee."