Press Conference Held Aboard Presidential Aircraft...
"Need to Show a Normalized Republic of Korea"
President Lee: "Will Strive for Inclusion in G7 Plus"
On June 16 (local time), President Lee Jaemyung stated during bilateral and multilateral meetings held on the occasion of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada that "the challenge is to ensure that we are not placed in a more disadvantageous position compared to other countries" regarding tariff negotiations.
President Lee made these remarks during a press conference aboard the presidential aircraft en route to Canada, in response to a question about whether there is anything he is determined to achieve in tariff negotiations with President Donald Trump. He added, "Diplomacy should not benefit only one side; it should produce mutually beneficial results. There are various conditions, so I will discuss them and do my best."
He explained that he had given considerable thought to the decision to travel abroad just 12 days after taking office. President Lee said, "It is clearly difficult to attend an international conference so soon after inauguration," and added, "Given the many domestic issues, I initially considered not participating." Nevertheless, President Lee explained, "There were opinions that it was necessary to show the international community that the Republic of Korea has returned to normal,and since there are many areas in which we can cooperate with the international community, many advised that it would be better to engage, even if it was challenging. That is why I decided to participate."
President Lee also stated that he would make efforts for Korea to be included in the 'G7 Plus.' He said, "The Republic of Korea is one of the world's top 10 economic powers, a top 5 military power, and an advanced country culturally. Although there was a temporary setback, we must quickly restore our previous status and go further to become a leading nation in the world."He continued, "Naturally, summit diplomacy must be more active than before. I have also instructed the Director of the National Security Office to strengthen summit diplomacy to a higher level than now."
In addition, President Lee emphasized, "The Lee Jaemyung administration places great importance on people's livelihoods and the economy," and said, "If we develop international relations well, it will facilitate overseas expansion for our companies, and in terms of expanding our economic territory, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation in the cultural industry and new industrial sectors."
Meanwhile, regarding the supplementary budget being pursued at a scale of '20 trillion won plus alpha (α),' President Lee said that although there are various opinions, he is considering a direction that combines income support policies and consumption-boosting policies.
In response to questions about the various discussions on universal versus selective payments and differentiated universal payments, President Lee said, "I am considering combining income support policies and consumption-boosting policies," and added, "I will review the proposal from the fiscal authorities and consult with the party and government, so I will look into it further."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
