FLASH NEWS
South Korea's new president vows to resume talks with North Korea
2025-06-04 23:58:26 / BOTA
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, began his term on Wednesday after winning a snap election, at a time when the country faces major economic challenges and a fragmented political climate.
In his first speech before the National Assembly, Lee pledged to confront North Korea's nuclear threats through "strong deterrence," backed by a steadfast alliance with the United States.
However, he also promised a new approach towards Pyongyang, declaring the intention to resume talks and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation.
Despite this pledge, it remains unclear whether North Korea will accept dialogue, as Pyongyang has refused any contact with Seoul since 2019.
International relations expert Dr. Edward Howell of Oxford University assessed that Pyongyang may be more inclined towards Lee than towards his conservative predecessor, but is still unlikely to engage in substantive negotiations.
"Even if talks do happen, they may be brief and without impact," he stressed.
Lee received 49.3% of the vote in Tuesday's election, defeating conservative rival Kim Moon-soo, who secured 41.3%.
The snap election was held after the ouster of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who attempted to impose martial law in December, a move that triggered a constitutional crisis.
Lee has promised a full investigation into the attempt and called for the country's unification.
In foreign policy, the new president has emphasized that he will maintain the alliance with the US as the cornerstone of the country's national security, while also expressing interest in deepening cooperation with Japan.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed readiness to hold quick talks with Lee, while the US State Department reaffirmed support for the alliance with Seoul.
On the other hand, concerns about North Korea's ties with Russia are growing, especially against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
New reports indicate that Pyongyang has offered weapons and troops to Moscow in exchange for military technology that could help the isolated country's nuclear program.
On the economic front, Lee has promised a "direct battle" against the recession and increased public spending to stimulate the economy, at a time when South Korea faces rising tariffs from the US and strong global uncertainties.
He is committed to pragmatic diplomacy, based on national interests, to face new challenges in the economic and security landscape.
-
Over 1.5 million pilgrims begin Hajj under scorching sun
June 4, 23:38
Happening now...
83 mandates are not immunity for Rama's friends
Nga Gentian Gaba
ideas
top
Alfa recipes
TRENDING 
services
- POLICE129
- STREET POLICE126
- AMBULANCE112
- FIREFIGHTER128