S. Korean President Calls For Phased Implementation Of Inter-Korean Agreements

SEOUL, Aug 18 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae-myung on Monday called for taking steps where necessary to implement existing inter-Korean agreements, days after he reaffirmed his pledge to restore ties and trust with North Korea, including reviving the 2018 military tension reduction pact, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"True security lies in safeguarding peace. What we need now is the courage to steadily take steps to ease tensions while firmly maintaining an ironclad defence posture," Lee said during a Cabinet meeting.

"I ask the relevant ministries to prepare for a phased implementation of existing inter-Korean agreements, starting with those where possible," Lee said.

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His remarks came after he reinforced in his Liberation Day address that his government will take measures to reduce tensions and restore trust with Pyongyang.

Lee said the South under his leadership will respect the North's current system and that it will not pursue any form of unification by absorption.

He also said that Seoul will take "proactive, gradual steps" to restore the Sept 19 military agreement, signed between the two sides in 2018 to reduce border tensions.

"If small, practical steps pile up like pebbles, mutual trust will be restored. The path to peace will widen, and a foundation will be laid for South and North Korea to grow together," Lee said.

"Amid a rapidly changing external environment, inter-Korean relations are vital to protecting our national interests and expanding room for diplomacy," he added.

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP