President Lee: National Interest is Key in Diplomacy

Lee Jae-myung, the President of South Korea, stated on October 13 that "the country's diplomatic policy is clearly focused on pragmatic national interest," emphasizing the need to avoid subservient or dependent attitudes in international relations.

During the 44th Cabinet meeting held at the Blue House, President Lee asserted, "The most important thing is South Korea's national interest," and stressed that as a sovereign and independent nation, South Korea must always conduct diplomacy that protects its national interests.

His remarks come amid various criticisms regarding the government's foreign policy, particularly in relation to managing U.S.-South Korea relations. This reaffirmation of prioritizing national interest over alliances or specific countries is seen as a significant stance.

While reiterating the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, President Lee also called for stable management of relations with neighboring powers.

He remarked, "The relationship between South Korea and the U.S. is extremely important and can be considered the cornerstone of our diplomacy," and added that it must continue to be advanced. He also noted the importance of managing relations with surrounding major powers.

President Lee explained that differences in national interests should not be interpreted as fractures in the U.S.-South Korea relationship. He stated, "It is natural for countries to have differing views, and how can we always align our interests?" He emphasized the need for continuous discussion, advocacy, and adjustment to minimize differences and keep them manageable.

He further highlighted the importance of resolving issues with affection for South Korea when differences arise, warning that failing to do so could lead to sacrificing national interests in the competition between countries.

President Lee publicly commended the efforts of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Trade Negotiation Headquarters involved in negotiations with the U.S.

He noted, "Among the countries identified as investment targets in the U.S.-South Korea relationship, South Korea has engaged in the longest negotiations and reached the conclusion that best aligns with our national interests," praising the hard work of the foreign and trade teams, including the Minister of Industry.

He specifically mentioned that U.S. officials described South Korea's negotiation team as "very tough," which he interpreted as both a complaint and a compliment.

Looking ahead, President Lee pledged to continue striving for the betterment of the public's welfare and South Korea's national interests, stating, "If there are misunderstandings or disagreements on issues, we will resolve and adjust them to ensure South Korea emerges as an irreplaceable nation on the global stage."

Additionally, President Lee called for follow-up support for the commercial viability of the Arctic route, following the successful round trip of the Panstar Acro, the first South Korean container ship to navigate this route.

The Panstar Acro returned to Busan on October 11 after completing a 50-day trial voyage. The use of the Arctic route shortened the one-way travel time to Europe by about ten days compared to the traditional route via the Suez Canal.

President Lee stated, "This success is not the end but the beginning," emphasizing that there is still a long way to go before establishing regular commercial routes. He called for continuous trial voyages to accumulate navigation data and verify the economic viability and safety of the route.

He also outlined tasks such as securing icebreaker-capable vessels, supporting related industries like insurance and finance, expanding infrastructure at Busan Port, constructing the new airport at Gadeokdo, and improving the railway logistics network. He urged strengthening diplomatic capabilities to maintain stable relations with countries adjacent to the Arctic route.

President Lee concluded, "We must turn the Arctic route, opened by climate change and geopolitical risks, into an opportunity for South Korea to lead the global logistics reorganization," pledging full support for Busan and the southeastern region to become a leading maritime capital of South Korea and a key gateway for global logistics.