President Lee: "Issues with Traditional Allies Will Be Addressed in a Future-Oriented Manner Based on Common Sense and Principles"

President Lee Presides Over Cabinet Meeting
Remarks Seemingly Address North Korea Intelligence Restrictions, Coupang Situation
"Pragmatic Diplomacy Centered on National Interest Is Urgently Needed... Expanding Ties with the Global South"
Prolonged Middle East War: "Efforts Needed to Reduce Dependence on Specific Regions"

President Lee Jaemyung emphasized the importance of building healthy and future-oriented relationships with traditional allies, stating, "It is essential to resolve current issues based on mutual respect, common sense, and principles, and to cultivate wise, forward-looking partnerships." His remarks are interpreted as addressing current issues in Korea-U.S. relations, such as the recent controversy over restrictions on North Korea-related intelligence and the Coupang situation.

Yonhap News

On this day, presiding over a Cabinet meeting and an emergency economic review meeting at the Blue House, President Lee highlighted the achievements of his recent visits to India and Vietnam. He stated, "Of course, we must continue to develop cooperation with our traditional allies," adding, "As a sovereign nation, we will focus on diplomacy that builds genuine friendships with our allies with confidence."

President Lee then noted that the prolonged war in the Middle East is reshaping the global economic order, and emphasized the need to reduce dependence on specific regions.

He said, "The expansion of geopolitical risks triggered by the war in the Middle East is leading to a structural reorganization of the global economy and security. In order to secure stable growth momentum amid these changes, we must lower our dependence on particular regions and consistently expand our range of options. A strategic, flexible, and pragmatic diplomacy centered on the national interest is more urgent than ever." He also stated his intention to broaden diplomatic horizons with the 'Global South.'

Regarding the domestic economic situation, President Lee assessed that although first-quarter growth exceeded initial expectations, external uncertainties remain high. He called for maintaining economic growth through sophisticated policy responses. In the first quarter, Korea's gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate reached 1.7%, surpassing the originally forecasted 0.9% and marking the highest figure in five years and six months.

President Lee said, "As the war in the Middle East continues into its second month, external uncertainties remain significant, and there are signs that the shock of high oil prices may spill over into the real economy. True crisis management begins now—please make every effort to maintain economic growth through even more refined policy responses." He especially stressed the need to accelerate structural innovation in the Korean economy, such as the AI-driven transformation and realization of a circular economy.

Regarding the high oil price relief payments that began to be distributed the day before, President Lee said, "Just as last year's consumer coupons for livelihood recovery helped reinvigorate the economy, this round of relief payments is expected to have a similar ripple effect. Please ensure meticulous oversight so that citizens do not experience inconvenience." He also mentioned truck drivers and farmers, instructing officials to "examine whether there are any blind spots in support for those most affected by high oil prices. Please execute other supplementary budgets swiftly as well."

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