President Lee Vows Unceasing Efforts for Inter-Korean Peace on Summit Anniversary

SEOUL, June 15 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung vowed Monday to make ceaseless efforts for inter-Korean peace as he marked the 26th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit in 2000.

Lee made the pledge in a speech read on his behalf by his chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik at a ceremony commemorating the summit held between then President Kim Dae-jung and then North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang.

"Despite our government's efforts to resume dialogue and cooperation, I humbly acknowledge that the door to inter-Korean dialogue is not opening easily," he said after noting his administration's suspension of propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts into the North among other steps.

"However, we cannot be disappointed or flop because of a momentary difficulty and give up. Even if there are brief ups and downs, I believe we will be able to sensibly resolve (the situation) if we gather our wisdom," he added.

North Korea has spurned the South's peace overtures while characterizing their relationship as that of two "hostile" states.

Lee argued that inter-Korean peace benefits not only the two sides but also Northeast Asia and the world as a whole. He called for using "changes in the international political situation" in the region as a new opportunity for joint prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.

"The administration will not cease efforts for peace and coexistence on the Korean Peninsula," he said. "We will do our best so that South and North, like 26 years ago, can once again sit face to face and continue dialogue."