President Lee: "South Korea has a role in advancing U.S.–North Korea relations... no need to worry about being sidelined"

[Financial News] President Lee Jae Myung said on the 18th that "there is no need to worry about (South Korea) being 'sidelined'" during the U.S.–North Korea dialogue process. He also said that the resumption of U.S.–North Korea dialogue makes inter-Korean dialogue possible.
At a press conference held at the Yeongbingwan State Guest House at Cheong Wa Dae that day, President Lee said, "Although we may be somewhat distant during the early stages of progress in the dialogue, the South Korean government has a role to play in advancing U.S.–North Korea relations, and our government must have a role in promoting U.S.–North Korea cooperation as well."
He further emphasized, "It is much easier for dialogue between North Korea and the United States to resume than for inter-Korean dialogue to resume, and that in turn makes inter-Korean dialogue possible."
President Lee explained, "I cannot say for certain whether a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will take place. However, President Trump wants dialogue, and I, too, have continued in my own way to play a role in coordinating matters in advance so that U.S.–North Korea dialogue can take place."


[email protected] Kim Hyeong-gu Reporter