Lee, U.N. chief Guterres discuss Korean Peninsula issues, S. Korea-U.N. cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Tuesday, discussing cooperation between their two nations and issues pertaining to the Korean Peninsula. This encounter marked their third face-to-face meeting since Lee assumed office in June of the previous year.

During the meeting, President Lee emphasized his administration's commitment to fostering peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between North and South Korea. He outlined a vision centered around achieving peace without resorting to conflict, as the path to the most secure peace. Lee's senior secretary for public affairs, Seong Ghi-hong, conveyed this information in a press release.

President Lee also expressed his confidence in maintaining robust communication and collaboration with the United Nations in pursuit of this vision. Guterres, for his part, indicated his active support for South Korea's diplomatic policy, which includes its efforts to build peace on the Korean Peninsula. He pledged to potentially play a role in realizing this vision.

The U.N. Secretary-General also recognized South Korea's constructive role in maintaining international peace and security, promoting sustainable development, and addressing climate change. Guterres emphasized that the role of middle-power countries, such as South Korea, has become increasingly critical due to the escalation of international divisions and tensions.

In response, President Lee pledged that South Korea would play its part in ensuring that the outcomes of U.N. endeavors reach a wider audience.