On anniversary of first inter-Korean joint declaration, Lee says peace is still within reach

During an official visit to the Vatican, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung declared his intention to pursue peace on the Korean Peninsula, aiming to transition beyond the current armistice system to establish a lasting peace regime. His remarks were delivered during a special mass for peace and reconciliation at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

“

plans to do everything possible so that [South and North Korea] can move beyond the armistice system and establish a sustainable peace regime.

President Lee acknowledged the global climate of increased conflict, citing ongoing war in Ukraine and new tensions in the Middle East, noting that the Korean Peninsula is not immune to these concerns. He reflected on the downturn in inter-Korean relations, where once-open communication lines have been severed, leading to renewed distrust and tension.

“

The world today faces greater conflict and uncertainty than ever before. The roar of artillery is still heard in Ukraine, and a new conflict has opened up in the Middle East. The Korean Peninsula is not free from such concerns.

Despite the current challenges, Lee expressed a firm belief that the hope for dialogue and cooperation, first demonstrated by the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration 26 years prior, remains alive. He highlighted his administration's preemptive measures to ease tensions, such as halting leaflet launches and broadcast loudspeakers into North Korea, and reiterated that South Korea does not seek "unification by absorption" or unilateral regime change.

“

South and North Korea once spoke about peace and joint prosperity, but we’ve returned to an era of division. The lines of communication that once connected us have been severed, and we continue to face distrust and tension.

Lee pledged continued efforts to restore military trust and prevent accidental clashes between the two Koreas. He asked for prayers for the realization of peace, invoking Isaiah 2:4's vision of "beating swords into plowshares," and expressed hope that peace on the Korean Peninsula would contribute to global peace, which in turn would reinforce peace in Korea.

“

I firmly believe that those sparks of hope are still alive even now.