SEOUL, September 16 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that South Korea will pursue "practical diplomacy centered on national interest" to improve relations with the United States, China, Japan, and Russia.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting earlier in the day, Lee outlined the first of five foreign policy tasks under his administration, emphasizing that South Korea must navigate its diplomacy based on pragmatic choices rather than ideology. "We will move beyond rigid thinking and focus on advancing cooperation with the four major powers to protect and expand our national interest," he said, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The president highlighted that the strategic environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula is changing rapidly, with heightened tensions in Northeast Asia and shifting global supply chains. He said South Korea must strengthen relations with each of the four powers in ways that ensure balance and resilience.
Lee noted that ties with the U.S remain the cornerstone of South Korea's security, particularly in deterring threats from North Korea. He also pointed to the depth of economic interdependence with China, which accounts for roughly one quarter of South Korea's exports.
Relations with Japan have recently gained momentum. In late August, Lee held his first full bilateral summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, where the two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and agreed to expand collaboration in areas such as hydrogen, ammonia, and artificial intelligence.
Relations with Russia remain complicated, particularly since South Korea joined international sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine. Still, the government views Moscow as an important factor in regional stability.
At a reception in Seoul last week marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russian Ambassador Georgy Zinoviev said, "Despite many difficulties, there are still possibilities for Russia and South Korea to restore practical and mutually beneficial cooperation." His remarks were widely seen as a signal that Moscow is open to improving ties under the new administration.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul briefed the Cabinet on the ministry's plan to advance this task, which includes holding regular high-level talks with Washington, Beijing, Tokyo, and Moscow and expanding platforms for dialogue on both security and economic issues.
The ministry said the broader aim is to strengthen South Korea's voice in shaping regional order and to ensure that diplomacy serves the country's long-term prosperity and security.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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