Lee outlines phased approach to North Korea's denuclearization at UN

SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - President Lee Jae Myung outlined his vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula in a keynote speech at the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.

Speaking seventh, he pledged to end Cold War-era hostility and confrontations in the region and to promote global peace through his so-called "END initiative," which highlights exchange, normalization, and denuclearization as its key principles.

"History tells us that exchange and cooperation are the quickest paths to peace. We will make these efforts step by step to achieve sustainable peace," he said. He also expressed his willingness to support North Korea in normalizing its standing on the global stage, while working to improve inter-Korean relations.

Regarding North Korea's denuclearization, he said he will pursue a practical, phased approach, starting with halting, then reducing, and ultimately eliminating its nuclear weapons.

Emphasizing the need to rebuild trust and mutual respect between the two Koreas, Lee added, "South Korea will not seek reunification by attempting to absorb the North or by engaging in any hostile actions." 

Lee concluded his speech by calling for multilateral collaboration to address global challenges, stressing the UN's core principles of cooperation and trust.

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