Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday reiterated his call on North Korea to restore communication channels, emphasizing its significance as a foundation for "peaceful coexistence" between the two Koreas. Speaking at an event marking the launch of the 22nd Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, Lee stated that unification is an inevitable path, irrespective of whether it spans decades or even a millennium.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lee emphasized the need to end hostilities and confrontations between the two Koreas, advocating for a new inter-Korean relationship based on peaceful existence. He proposed that the initial step should involve restoring communication and dialogue channels, clarifying that Seoul does not intend unification through absorption. Since assuming office in June, the Lee administration has aimed to mend ties with North Korea, ceasing border broadcasts and discouraging anti-Pyongyang leaflets. Nonetheless, dialogue remains elusive, as Pyongyang has not responded to South Korea's recent overtures, including proposed military talks.
On the same day, President Lee dismissed suggestions from the opposition for South Korea to develop its own nuclear armament, stating it would be "impossible" to secure international approval. He expressed concerns about potential economic and international sanctions if South Korea pursued nuclear weapons, questioning the country's ability to endure such consequences.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun also rejected nuclear armament calls, cautioning that withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty could lead to South Korea becoming a 'second North Korea.' Concurrently, Seoul reaffirmed its commitment to uphold Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty obligations while advancing plans for nuclear-powered submarines.
During a meeting in Seoul, Lee Chul, director of the International Organizations and Nuclear Affairs Bureau at the Foreign Ministry, assured Massimo Aparo, head of the IAEA's Department of Safeguards, of South Korea's transparent cooperation with the nuclear watchdog. They also exchanged views on North Korea's nuclear program. In October, US President Donald Trump, during his visit to South Korea, pledged to share nuclear propulsion technologies to enable South Korea's navy to build at least one nuclear-powered submarine. Subsequently, South Korea's Defense Ministry announced plans to launch a domestically built nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-to-late 2030s.