President Lee Holds First Summit with Zelenskyy... Shared View That North Korean Prisoners of War Should Have Their Free Will Respected

[Financial News, Ankara, Türkiye = Reporter Sung Seok-woo]President Lee Jae Myung held his first summit with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the 8th (local time) and agreed to resolve the issue of North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine in line with international law and humanitarian principles.
Kang Yoo-jung, senior presidential spokesperson at Cheong Wa Dae, said in a written briefing that Lee met with Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in Ankara, Türkiye. The meeting lasted about 43 minutes, from noon to 12:43 p.m. that day.
The two leaders agreed to respect the free will of those involved in the issue of North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine and to work toward a solution that complies with international law and humanitarian principles.
At the summit, Lee explained his pledge to provide Ukraine with $100 million in comprehensive support, announced during the NATO summit. He also stressed that the government would continue humanitarian assistance for the Ukrainian people and remain engaged in international efforts to help Ukraine recover and rebuild.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the South Korean government's support. He also said he hoped to work closely with the international community, including South Korea, to bring the war to an early end and help restore peace and recovery in Ukraine.
Expectations were also raised for participation by the South Korean government and companies in Ukraine's reconstruction. Zelenskyy said he hoped for continued interest and involvement from South Korea in Ukraine's future recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The two leaders also exchanged broad views on the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Ukraine. They agreed to maintain close communication going forward to further develop bilateral ties.

west@fnnews.com Sung Seok-woo Reporter