President Lee: The June 15 North-South Joint Declaration is a Beacon of Hope

President Lee Jae-myung stated on June 14 that he believes the hope sparked by the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration remains alive. He expressed his commitment to doing everything possible to establish a sustainable peace system, moving beyond the current armistice.

Speaking at the Special Mass for Peace and Solidarity held at St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, President Lee remarked that the dialogue and cooperation that once characterized relations between the North and South have regressed into a period of disconnection and confrontation.

He noted that while communication channels between the two Koreas have closed and distrust and tension persist, the people of South Korea have not lost their faith in peace and democracy, having overcome numerous trials and hardships.

Reflecting on the historic meeting 26 years ago on June 15, when the two Koreas first sat down to announce the Joint Declaration, President Lee called it a pivotal moment that signaled the possibility of dialogue and cooperation to the world.

Below is the full text of President Lee's commemorative speech.

Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, esteemed guests, it is a profound honor to stand in this sacred place, alive with the spirit of St. Paul.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Cardinal Yoo and the Vatican officials for their warm hospitality and for organizing this meaningful event.

Ladies and gentlemen, the world today is engulfed in deep conflict and uncertainty.

The war in Ukraine continues unabated, and new clashes are erupting in the Middle East. The foundations of cooperation and coexistence are shaking, casting shadows of division and confrontation across the international community.

The Korean Peninsula is not free from these realities. The North and South, once discussing peace and prosperity together, have reverted to a state of disconnection. Communication channels have closed, and distrust and tension remain.

However, the people of South Korea have a history of steadfastly maintaining their belief in peace and democracy, even amid numerous trials and tribulations.

We reclaimed our nation, rebuilt from the ruins of war, and advanced democracy beyond an era of dictatorship and oppression.

Amid economic crises and social upheaval, we have illuminated the darkness not with weapons, but with candles; not through violence, but through peace; and not with cynicism, but with solidarity.

The Korean Catholic Church, which began as a voluntary community of lay believers and endured severe persecution, has been a steadfast support in times of hardship, upholding the values of human dignity, peace, and solidarity.

Esteemed guests, on June 15, 26 years ago, the North and South first met and announced the June 15 North-South Joint Declaration.

This was a historic turning point that signaled the possibility of dialogue and cooperation beyond long-standing hostility and tension.

Since then, family reunions, humanitarian cooperation, and exchanges have opened a new door of hope for peace on the Korean Peninsula.

I am confident that the spark of hope remains alive today.

Since its inauguration last year, the South Korean government has taken proactive measures to ease tensions, including halting leaflet distribution and loudspeaker broadcasts toward the North. We have also made it clear that we do not pursue absorption unification or unilateral regime competition.

We will continue our efforts to prevent accidental clashes between the North and South and to restore military trust. We are committed to doing everything possible to establish a sustainable peace system beyond the current armistice.

Esteemed guests, for many years, the international community has longed for peace and reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula, and South Korea has consistently worked to meet those expectations and support.

I would like to take this opportunity to express sincere gratitude, on behalf of the people of South Korea, to the Vatican for its unwavering interest and support throughout this process.

In a time when conflict and uncertainty weigh heavily on the world, South Korea aims to convey a message of hope.

We will unite our efforts to create a world where democracy shines brightly, where the richness of culture is celebrated, and where the possibilities of science, technology, and innovation pave the way for a more peaceful and free existence for all, allowing everyone to live with dignity.

We will fulfill our international responsibilities to foster reconciliation where there is conflict, trust where there is distrust, and solidarity where there is division, transcending borders, ideologies, races, and cultures.

Esteemed guests, let us pray together that the precious words from Isaiah 2:4, "They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks," may be realized throughout the nation.

I hope that peace on the Korean Peninsula will lead to global peace, and that international solidarity will reinforce peace on the Korean Peninsula in a virtuous cycle.

Next year, the World Youth Conference will be held in Seoul. I am confident it will be a meaningful time for young people to share friendships and learn the values of peace and solidarity, transcending borders, languages, and cultures.

I hope that youth from around the world can gather here, overcoming battle lines, barbed wire, and borders, and I request the Vatican's interest and constructive role in this endeavor. The South Korean government also promises to do its utmost to support this effort.

"Take heart; I have overcome the world," Jesus Christ said to his fearful disciples 2,000 years ago. May these words bring comfort, courage, and hope to our youth today.

I pray that our prayers offered today may be a blessed seed for peace and solidarity throughout the world.

May God's grace be with everyone present here today.

Thank you.