President Lee delivered the message in the context of the 26th anniversary of the landmark June 15, 2000 inter-Korean summit declaration, a historical milestone that opened opportunities for dialogue and cooperation between the two Koreas.
Speaking at a special Mass for Peace and Solidarity held at St. Paul Outside the Walls in the Vatican on Sunday, President Lee said that inter-Korean relations remain tense as communication channels between the two sides are disrupted and a lack of trust continues. But he said he believes there remains an “ember of hope” for renewed dialogue and cooperation with the North.
Since taking office, the Lee administration has taken measures to reduce tensions, including the suspension of loudspeaker broadcasts and leaflet distributions directed toward the DPRK.
The South Korean leader insisted that Seoul is not pursuing unification through institutional competition or unilateral annexation, and pledged to promote the building of a lasting peace mechanism beyond the framework of the current armistice agreement.
