In a poignant tribute to a predecessor's vision, the Republic of Korea's (ROK) President Lee Jae Myung has vowed to sustain the pursuit of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Speaking this past Saturday at a memorial ceremony in Bongha Village, Gimhae, President Lee honored the 17th anniversary of the death of late President Roh Moo-hyun.
President Lee emphasized his determination to "steadfastly walk the path of peaceful coexistence and shared growth," drawing inspiration from Roh's enduring effort to transform "the line of division into a road of peace."
A central point of the President's address was the October 4 Inter-Korean joint declaration, a landmark agreement signed in 2007 by President Roh and the then top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Kim Jong Il. This declaration remains a cornerstone for those seeking to advance inter-Korean relations, ease military tensions, and foster economic cooperation.
The commitment to peace comes at a time when inter-Korean relations remain strained. However, President Lee's administration continues to champion a diplomatic approach. In a speech delivered this March, Lee stated that his government respects the DPRK's system and explicitly ruled out any hostile acts or pursuits of unification by absorption.
Late President Roh, who served from 2003 to 2008, was widely recognized for his "Peace and Prosperity Policy," which focused on active engagement with the DPRK. By aligning his current administration's goals with these historical efforts, President Lee signals a continued desire for stability and cooperation in the region.
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ROK's Lee vows to carry on ex-President Roh's peace efforts with DPRK
cgtn.com
