Speaking to Foreign Ministry officials at the ministry’s policy briefing session, Lee said his government will pay greater attention to the happiness of the North Korean people by taking issue with the North’s human rights situation more aggressively.
Lee, an advocate of creative pragmatism, then declared that his government’s diplomatic policies, including ties with the U.S., China, Japan and other regional powers, would be thoroughly based on national interests, accusing the Foreign Ministry of having thus far failed to play its role in relations with key allies.
"We’re ready for sincere talks with North Korea’s leaders. I and working-level officials alike are ready for such talks. The inter-Korean dialogue should not be a one-time event. We should meet frequently," said the president.
"We are to resume shuttle summit diplomacy with Japan. There is no reason to avoid shuttle diplomacy with North Korea."
However, the conservative president stressed that the two Koreas should change attitudes towards each other as a prerequisite to the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue.
"Our question over the North’s human rights problems is not in line with our North Korea strategy. We just care for the universal happiness of the people in the North. We also want to see the North stand alone economically in order to accelerate national unification," said the president.
"Both sides must be ready to open their minds to each other and engage in sincere dialogue."
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