S. Korean President Lee says peace is foundation for sustainable future

GYEONGJU, South Korea -- South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Saturday emphasized that peace is the fundamental basis for building a sustainable tomorrow.

"Only when peace is secured can our connectivity expand further, our innovative power be fully unleashed, and our collective prosperity be shared by all," Lee said during his closing remarks at the second session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Lee underscored that peace on the Korean Peninsula would not only promote stability in Northeast Asia but also serve as a path toward shared prosperity across the wider Asia-Pacific through cooperation and mutual benefit.

Military confrontation, tension, and nuclear issues constrain stability and cooperation not only on the Korean Peninsula but throughout the Asia-Pacific region, he said, stressing that South Korea upholds the principle of resolving problems through dialogue and seeks to open a new era of peaceful coexistence and joint development on the Korean Peninsula.

Lee added that the South Korean government has already taken pre-emptive measures to ease military tensions and rebuild mutual trust (with the DPRK), and pledged to continue pursuing more active and forward-looking initiatives to safeguard peace.