President Moon Urges "Thorough Follow-up Measures After ROK-US Summit"... Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation Between Ruling and Opposition Parties (Comprehensive)

President Moon: "A New Chapter in the Korea-US Alliance, 국민's Strength in Overcoming COVID-19"... Opposition: "Regret Over Vaccine Swap Not Materializing"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] On the 26th, President Moon Jae-in held a luncheon meeting at the Blue House inviting the leaders of the five ruling and opposition parties, expressing hope for bipartisan cooperation in the National Assembly to capitalize on the outcomes of the South Korea-U.S. summit. While the ruling and opposition parties agreed that the summit yielded results, there were differences in their overall evaluations.

Attending the luncheon meeting were Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea; Kim Ki-hyun, acting leader (floor leader) of the People Power Party; Yeo Young-guk, leader of the Justice Party; Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party; and Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party. The Blue House was represented by Chief Secretary Yoo Young-min, National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, Policy Office Director Lee Ho-seung, and Senior Secretary for Political Affairs Lee Cheol-hee.

President Moon said, "The government will make every effort to implement follow-up measures from the summit. We expect bipartisan cooperation from the National Assembly, and we would appreciate it if the political circles could pool their wisdom to effectively build on the summit's achievements."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon emphasized, "I believe that the Republic of Korea and our people received unparalleled treatment," adding, "The opening of a new chapter in the South Korea-U.S. alliance was made possible thanks to the resilience of our people demonstrated during the COVID-19 crisis, the high evaluation from the international community, and the support from both ruling and opposition parties."

Choi Kang-wook, leader of the Open Democratic Party, said, "I think this was an important opportunity to feel that the national prestige of the Republic of Korea has risen to such a level that we are now negotiating on equal footing with the United States, engaging in reciprocal negotiations."

President Moon said, "It is highly significant that the Singapore Declaration and the Panmunjom Declaration were noted as starting points for diplomacy and dialogue. This allows us to resume talks and turn back the clock of peace based on the existing agreements between South and North Korea and between North Korea and the U.S."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Song Young-gil, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also said, "I think it is a great achievement to aim to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue diplomatically based on the Singapore and Panmunjom summits," adding, "If the government reviews and submits the ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration, I hope we can share this bipartisanly to create a breakthrough in inter-Korean relations."

President Moon said, "Including U.S. support for inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation in the joint statement is also very meaningful for the development of inter-Korean relations. The U.S. appointment of a special envoy for North Korea is equivalent to a public request to North Korea to resume dialogue. We hope North Korea will respond positively."

Yeo Young-guk, leader of the Justice Party, said, "I propose that the South Korean government convey to North Korea the intention to cancel or postpone the joint South Korea-U.S. military exercises scheduled for August and suggest holding the inter-Korean military joint committee to open the door for inter-Korean dialogue."

President Moon and the leaders of the ruling and opposition parties gave a favorable evaluation of the end of the missile guidelines. President Moon said, "The end of the missile guidelines, along with the conclusion of the defense cost-sharing agreement, is a symbolic and practical measure that publicly demonstrates the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance," adding, "It has opened the way for the development of the space industry."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People Party, said, "Especially the end of the South Korea-U.S. missile guidelines is very significant. This issue is not only about security but can be a truly important opportunity for the development of our country's future aerospace technology industry, which I highly appreciate."

Regarding vaccine cooperation, differences in views between President Moon and opposition party leaders emerged. President Moon said, "Vaccine cooperation is a very proud achievement. We have established a global vaccine partnership between South Korea and the U.S. to expand vaccine supply worldwide," adding, "The U.S. decision to first provide vaccines to 550,000 South Korean troops is a very meaningful gift that values the South Korea-U.S. alliance."

Kim Ki-hyun, acting leader (floor leader) of the People Power Party, said, "It is fortunate that vaccines for 550,000 military personnel have been secured, but it is very regrettable that our vaccines have not been secured through mechanisms like vaccine swaps," adding, "The public is asking for a reliable plan showing when they can completely take off their masks."

Global supply chain issues related to key industries such as semiconductors and batteries were also a focus. President Moon said, "Strengthening supply chain cooperation for key industries such as semiconductors and batteries means that our outstanding companies are entering the U.S., the world's largest premium market, and enhancing global supply chain connectivity," adding, "I feel proud of the achievements of our companies and extend my gratitude and encouragement."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.