President calls for dialogue with N. Korea, more summit diplomacy

President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need to improve inter-Korean relations through dialogue and close cooperation with the United States, warning that a complete severance of communication with North Korea would be a “foolish act.” Speaking at a press conference marking his first 30 days in office on Thursday at the Yeongbingwan, or state reception hall of Cheong Wa Dae, Lee underscored the importance of fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula through sustained engagement with Pyongyang. “Dialogue, communication and cooperation are absolutely essential,” he told reporters. “Even during times of war, diplomacy continues. We must be willing to listen, even if we dislike the other party.” The liberal president’s remarks come as inter-Korean relations have been at their worst in recent years due to the hardline stance pushed by his conservative predecessor Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee also pointed to a recent response from North Korea regarding propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts as an encouraging sign. The South halted broadcasting toward the North on June 11, and the North suspended iWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times