President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the need for unity on August 18, stating, "It is time to join hands to create an irreplaceable South Korea, rather than engaging in harmful political strife that ignores the lives of the people and fosters hostility among us."
During the first Eulji National Defense Meeting and the 36th Cabinet Meeting held at the Blue House, President Lee remarked, "Strong national security, thorough disaster preparedness, and sustained economic growth are all difficult to achieve without uniting the hearts of the people."
His call for integration and cooperation came a day after the Democratic Party's national convention, where new party leader Kim Min-seok also stressed the importance of a 'wall-less one team' to foster harmony between the party, government, and the Blue House.
President Lee acknowledged that while people may have differing opinions and conflicts may arise, he defined the nation as a "community of destiny" where everyone must work together for a better life for the people and a brighter future for the country.
He stated, "Regardless of party affiliation or intense competition, we share a common responsibility as partners for the people and the nation, and our duties remain unchanged." This statement was interpreted as a call for the ruling party to set aside competition during the convention and unite for national achievements.
He urged, "Let us all work closely together in the political arena, which represents the rights of the people, to improve their lives, continue reforms against injustice and abnormality, and realize a globally competitive nation."
On the same day, Kim Min-seok received a visit from Kang Hoon-sik, the President's Chief of Staff, at the National Assembly, where he emphasized the need for close cooperation between the party and the government. Kang, along with Hong Ik-pyo, the Chief Political Secretary, and Jeong Eul-ho, the Political Secretary, delivered a congratulatory message from President Lee.
This meeting garnered attention as it took place ahead of a dinner with President Lee, Kim Min-seok, and other candidates who ran in the party leadership election, including Jeong Cheong-rae and Song Young-gil.
Kim expressed his expectations and sense of responsibility, stating, "I believe communication will occur as a wall-less one team, and I will support the government's direction effectively."
After the opening remarks, Kim and Kang posed for a photo embracing, as suggested by Kim Tae-sun, the party's secretary general.
Kang also encouraged, "If there are voices the government has not heard or difficulties on the ground that have been overlooked, please feel free to speak up. The government promises to listen more to the party's voice and faithfully reflect public sentiment in governance."
Meanwhile, during the Cabinet meeting, President Lee stated regarding the transfer of wartime operational control, "We must push forward with the completion of this task as originally planned without any setbacks during my term."
He added, "A strong alliance is essential for solid security, and we must enhance our own capabilities to increase the value and necessity of our alliance. Please expedite the advancement of the nuclear submarine project, which symbolizes a more constructive and robust future for the South Korea-U.S. alliance."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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