South Korean President Lee Jae-myung called for the resumption of interrupted communication channels with North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported. According to him, this could become a starting point for building relations based on peaceful coexistence between Seoul and Pyongyang, News.bg reports.
The head of state made the statement during an event marking the start of the 22nd Consultative Council for Peaceful Reunification. He stressed that the unification of the two Koreas is a long-term process that may take decades or even longer, but remains a historic mission.
“Our task is to end hostility and confrontation and build new inter-Korean relations based on peace“, said Lee, suggesting that the first step should be the restoration of dialogue between the two countries.
The president also explicitly emphasized that South Korea does not intend to seek unification by absorbing North Korea.
Since taking office in June, the Lee Jae-myeon administration has announced a course toward renewed dialogue and reconciliation with Pyongyang. Among the measures taken are the suspension of propaganda broadcasts along the border and calls on civil society organizations to stop distributing leaflets against the North Korean regime.
Despite these steps, the prospects for a real resumption of talks remain unclear. North Korea has so far not responded to Seoul's peace initiatives. Last month, South Korea proposed holding military talks to discuss the demarcation line, but there has been no response from Pyongyang so far.