President Lee Jae-myung stated in a written interview with the Turkish media outlet ‘Anadolu Agency’ on the 23rd (local time) that “unification remains our ultimate goal” and that it is not just an ideal aspiration but a responsibility stipulated in the South Korean Constitution.
However, President Lee mentioned that he does not aim for unilateral unification but instead pursues gradual and phased unification through peaceful coexistence and mutual development, reflecting the democratic will of all constituents of the Korean Peninsula.
The President emphasized that inter-Korean relations face severed communication channels and significantly damaged mutual trust. Reopening dialogue is the most crucial task, and he highlighted, “We are ready for dialogue with North Korea at any time and through any channel, and the door for dialogue will remain open,” while also working closely with the United States.
Regarding whether South Korea is considering indigenous nuclear armament, President Lee firmly stated that obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on the Korean Peninsula must be strictly adhered to and reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to denuclearization while faithfully implementing the NPT regime.
When asked about South Korea’s diplomatic strategy amidst U.S.-China competition, President Lee responded that while solidifying the ROK-U.S. alliance, a key axis of foreign policy, it is also important to manage relations with neighboring China in a balanced way. He aims to address various issues focusing on South Korea’s national interest rather than simply choosing diplomatic balance.
President Lee announced plans to expand cooperation with Turkey in sectors such as defense, nuclear power, biohealth, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy. Referring to the Turkish Altay tank equipped with a Korean engine as a strong example of what the two countries can achieve together, he remarked that Turkey has risen as a global leader in unmanned aerial systems, while South Korea has secured a strong competitive edge in advanced platforms like tanks, artillery, and naval vessels.
On nuclear power cooperation, he noted that the collaboration is still in its early stages but holds great potential. Discussions are ongoing regarding the participation of Korean companies in Turkey’s Sinop nuclear power plant project, and he looks forward to Korean contributions to Turkey’s nuclear power development, with Korea possessing world-class nuclear technology and operational safety expertise.