Seoul, Jan 21 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced on Wednesday his commitment to engaging in diplomatic efforts aimed at facilitating the rapid resumption of bilateral discussions between North Korea and the United States, while taking steps to establish the necessary conditions for renewed inter-Korean dialogue.

“As a proactive mediator, we will strive to ensure that North Korea-US discussions occur promptly and work on creating the environment needed for inter-Korean talks to recommence,” Lee stated during a nationally broadcast press conference marking the new year.

“The current severe chill won’t dissipate immediately, but we will persistently pursue practical measures to elicit a response from the North and alleviate tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” Lee remarked.

Additionally, Lee pledged to work towards restoring the September 19 military agreement, which was established in 2018 between former President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but was suspended in 2024 amid increasing tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang.

“We aim to reinstate the September 19 military agreement to avert unintended clashes between the South and North, thereby fostering political and military trust,” Lee added, emphasizing that South Korea would also explore innovative solutions that could enable mutual benefits for both Koreas.

When questioned about enhancing relations with North Korea, Lee responded that South Korea is determined to create a “situation where peaceful coexistence is achievable.”

He stressed the necessity of a pragmatic approach to engage with North Korea, particularly in light of the North's advancements in nuclear capabilities.

“North Korea continues to produce nuclear materials sufficient for creating between 10 to 20 nuclear weapons annually, and its intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) technology is progressing,” he stated.

Lee reiterated his three-phase roadmap for the denuclearization of North Korea's nuclear program, as reported by Yonhap news agency.

“It would be advantageous if no further nuclear material is produced, if existing materials are not transferred abroad, and if ICBM technology development is curtailed,” he articulated.

“We must uphold our ideals while pursuing practical negotiations to halt the program, scale it back, and move toward long-term denuclearization.”

Lee reaffirmed his dedication to achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, grounded in a strong alliance with the US, robust self-defense capabilities, and pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests.

Although Lee has proposed resuming halted discussions with the North, Pyongyang has dismissed his peace initiatives. Tensions remain high following accusations from the North that the South dispatched drones into its territory, leading to demands for an apology from Seoul.