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Key Points

South Korea has reiterated its commitment to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, despite North Korea's adamant stance on maintaining its nuclear program. The South Korean foreign ministry emphasized diplomatic efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence through dialogue and coordination with the United States. President Lee Jae Myung has expressed willingness to restore trust and end the era of confrontation with North Korea. Despite Pyongyang's rejection of peace overtures, Seoul remains patient and committed to its diplomatic approach.

Key Points: Seoul Reaffirms Korean Peninsula Denuclearization Goal

  • Seoul seeks peaceful coexistence with North Korea
  • South Korea maintains three-point principle of respect
  • President Lee aims to restore inter-Korean trust
  • Diplomatic efforts continue despite North Korean resistance
2 min read

Seoul reaffirms goal of denuclearising Korean Peninsula

South Korea maintains diplomatic stance on denuclearization despite North Korea's firm nuclear weapon commitment at UN General Assembly

"Denuclearising the Korean Peninsula is the consistent goal of the international community - South Korean Foreign Ministry"

Seoul, Sep 30

South Korea on Tuesday reaffirmed its "consistent" goal of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula after a senior North Korean diplomat vowed to never give up nuclear weapons during an address at the United Nations.

"Denuclearising the Korean Peninsula is the consistent goal of the international community, including South Korea and the United States," the foreign ministry said.

The ministry stressed that the UN has also been calling for North Korea to denuclearise through a series of Security Council resolutions, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Addressing a general debate of the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday (local time), North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong reiterated North Korea's position that it will never give up its nuclear programme "under any circumstances."

He said imposing denuclearization is "tantamount to demanding (North Korea) surrender sovereignty and right to existence."

The foreign ministry reaffirmed that the South Korean government has declared its three-point principle of respecting the North Korean regime, not pursuing unification by absorption and not engaging in hostile acts.

The ministry said Seoul will continue its diplomatic efforts to achieve peaceful coexistence and mutual growth through comprehensive dialogue under close coordination with the US.

Earlier on September 18, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Thursday that he will continue to take steps to restore trust with North Korea, despite slim prospects of engagement with the North.

Lee made the remarks in a written address to the Global Korea Forum, delivered by Lim Woong-soon, the second Deputy Director of the National Security Office.

"The government has taken actions to ease military tensions and restore inter-Korean trust from the beginning and will consistently maintain this stance," Lee said. "It is time to end the era of confrontation and hostility."

"Among the existing inter-Korean agreements, we will identify items that can be implemented. We will make efforts to create an environment for talks and cooperation," he said.

Although Pyongyang has rejected his peace overtures, Lee said his government will remain patient and establish a system that can practically support peace and coexistence in line with the changing inter-Korean relations and global geopolitical situation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Interesting to see how different countries handle nuclear diplomacy. South Korea's three-point principle shows maturity - respecting sovereignty while pursuing peace. Hope they find a middle path that works for both Koreas.
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Arjun K
North Korea's stance is quite rigid - "never give up under any circumstances." But South Korea's consistent diplomatic efforts deserve appreciation. Reminds me that peace processes require immense patience, something we understand well in South Asia.
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Sarah B
While I support denuclearization in principle, I wonder if the approach needs rethinking. North Korea clearly sees nuclear weapons as essential for regime survival. Maybe confidence-building measures should come first before demanding denuclearization? 🤔
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Vikram M
Good to see South Korea maintaining dialogue despite North's rejection. This is how diplomacy works - keep channels open even when immediate results aren't visible. The "era of confrontation and hostility" must indeed end for regional stability.
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Meera T
As an Indian watching this, I feel both countries have valid security concerns. But nuclear weapons make everyone less secure, not more. Hope the international community supports South Korea's peaceful approach rather than escalating tensions.

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