President Lee - 'North Korea's Nuclear Advancement Cannot Be Ignored—Pursuing Gradual Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula'

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Ji Seo Jeong – President Lee Jae-myung emphasized that "the current situation, in which inter-Korean dialogue is suspended and North Korea's nuclear capabilities are advancing, cannot be left unchecked." He stated, "We plan to gradually expand inter-Korean exchanges in feasible areas, actively support international efforts to normalize relations, and pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through pragmatic and phased solutions."

President Lee, following his state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), expressed this position in a contributed article to the local Egyptian media outlet 'Al-Ahram' on the 20th (local time) during his visit to Egypt.

This reiterates the 'END Initiative' for the Korean Peninsula—Exchange, Normalization, Denuclearization—first unveiled in his keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York last September.

President Lee stated, "The fundamental basis for all future cooperation between Korea and Egypt is peace," adding, "Both Korea and Egypt acutely recognize that regional peace cannot be achieved by the efforts of a single nation alone."

The two countries, marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, elevated their relationship to a 'Comprehensive Cooperative Partnership' in 2016.

President Lee noted, "The people of Egypt are contributing to Middle East peace amid significant uncertainties," and praised Egypt's "diplomatic patience in not abandoning dialogue as a mediator during the Gaza crisis."

He drew a parallel between Egypt's mediation efforts in the Israel-Palestine conflict and South Korea's longstanding North Korea policy.

"Over the past two years, Egypt has demonstrated diplomatic patience as a mediator in the Gaza crisis, never giving up on dialogue. Likewise, South Korea has continued its journey for peace in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula for over 70 years," President Lee said. "I hope the scope of peace cooperation between Korea, which has consistently participated in international efforts for Middle East peace, and Egypt, which has steadfastly supported peace on the Korean Peninsula, will further expand."

He also stressed the need to broaden cooperation in economic and cultural sectors.

"Both Korea and Egypt, as bridges of continents, cultures, and trade, have cultivated proud histories of flourishing civilizations through indomitable will," President Lee said. "Egypt developed one of humanity's greatest civilizations, meticulously recording the Nile's floods on papyrus, while Korea advanced its nation centered on the Han River."

He continued, "The establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt in 1995 was a decisive moment for joint growth. In Egypt's Beni Suef Province, Samsung Electronics Co., South Korea's largest company by market value, operates a factory producing TVs, washing machines, and the latest smartphones that enrich daily life. LG Electronics Inc. also manufactures consumer electronics in Sharqia Province. Korean-made metro trains serve as the backbone of daily transportation for Cairo's citizens."

Recalling his own experience of walking four hours round-trip to elementary school, President Lee said, "I understand the power of education," and added, "Educational cooperation between our two countries is not merely a transfer of knowledge but an endeavor that offers the possibility of transforming challenging realities."

On cultural cooperation, President Lee remarked, "I hear that Korean music and dramas are flourishing in Egypt," expressing deep appreciation for the popularity of Korean culture in a country with such a rich historical and cultural heritage.

Finally, President Lee stated, "I can confidently say that Korea is Egypt's most reliable partner in the ambitious 'Vision 2030' initiative," adding, "Korea, which achieved the Miracle on the Han River, will join Egyptians in their grand journey to realize the Miracle on the Nile."

Meanwhile, following the Korea-Egypt summit, President Lee is scheduled to announce the 'Cairo Initiative,' outlining South Korea's Middle East policy, at Cairo University.

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jsjeong@yna.co.kr

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