President says ember of hope for dialogue, cooperation with N. Korea still exists

President Lee Jae Myung said Sunday he believes the "ember of hope" for reviving dialogue and cooperation with North Korea still exists, reaffirming his commitment to making the utmost efforts to establish peace with Pyongyang. The president made the remarks in his speech during a special Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik under the theme of peace and solidarity. Lee is visiting Italy as part of his broader European trip, his first since taking office in June last year. He is set to visit the Holy See for a visit with Pope Leo XIV on Monday. Lee referred to the inter-Korean joint statement adopted June 15, 2000, calling it a "historic turning point" that, he said, signaled the possibility of overcoming inter-Korean tensions and opening up dialogue and cooperation. The president noted the first inter-Korean joint statement had led to reunions of families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War, as well as humanitarian cooperation and other exchanges, opening the door to new hopes for building peace on theWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times