(LEAD) Lee stresses importance of U.S. alliance, says differences can arise between countries

President Lee Jae Myung underscored the significance of South Korea's alliance with the United States during a cabinet meeting in Seoul on Tuesday. He acknowledged that differences can emerge between nations but emphasized that diplomacy should be centered on protecting national interests and avoiding a submissive approach. The president's comments came amid ongoing restrictions on intelligence sharing between Washington and Seoul, stemming from the South Korean unification minister's earlier claim that North Korea's Kusong site is involved in uranium enrichment.

Washington has dismissed the minister's remarks as an unauthorized disclosure of U.S. intelligence. The president stressed that South Korea's diplomacy should uphold its dignity and safeguard national interests, advocating a pragmatic approach. He reiterated that the South Korea-U.S. alliance forms the core of South Korea's diplomatic efforts and called for ongoing debate, discussion, and coordination to manage any disagreements that may arise.