Seoul, Nov 20 (NationPress) South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has declared that he will not overlook North Korea's progression in its nuclear program, pledging to pursue the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula through a "pragmatic and phased" strategy.

In an article for the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram published on Thursday, Lee called on Egypt to back South Korea's initiatives aimed at denuclearising North Korea and fostering peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Pointing out Cairo's role in mediating the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip, Lee expressed a desire for enhanced cooperation between South Korea and Egypt to promote tranquility both on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.

Since his inauguration in June, Lee has made efforts to reinitiate dialogue with Pyongyang and has outlined a three-phase roadmap intended to halt, reduce, and dismantle North Korea's nuclear program, although the North has yet to respond.

"The stalled inter-Korean dialogue and North Korea's growing nuclear capabilities cannot remain unaddressed. I firmly believe we should usher in a new era of peaceful coexistence and shared progress on the Korean Peninsula," Lee stated.

"To achieve this, we will enhance exchanges with North Korea in practical areas, support its attempts to normalize relations with the international community, and work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula using a pragmatic and phased approach," he emphasized.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, Lee underscored the significance of strengthening collaboration in trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.

He mentioned the presence of Samsung and LG manufacturing facilities in Egypt that produce smartphones and home appliances, as well as Egypt's contracts for South Korea's K-9 self-propelled howitzers, with initial deliveries anticipated next year.

Highlighting the rising interest in Korean music and dramas in Egypt, Lee expressed that he was "deeply moved" by the enthusiasm for Korean culture in a nation rich in its own historical legacy.

He positioned South Korea as a "trustworthy partner" in Egypt's national development plan, Vision 2030, expressing hope for enhanced collaboration across various sectors.

"The Republic of Korea, which achieved the 'Miracle of the Han River,' will join the remarkable journey of Egyptians, who accomplished the 'Miracle of the Nile River,'" he remarked, referring to South Korea's official name.